Krobo odumase: The Manya Krobo Community Bank PLC in the Eastern Region recorded a 135 percent increase in profit before tax in 2025, rising from GHS6.54 million in 2024 to GHS15.36 million, as deposits, loans, investments, and shareholders' funds all recorded significant growth. Profit after tax also increased by 131 percent from GHS4.04 million to GHS9.31 million, according to the Board Chairman, Patrick Amanor Buckor. He disclosed this at the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Manya Krobo Community Bank PLC held at the Agormanya Roman Catholic Parish Hall.
According to Ghana Web, the AGM was held under the theme, 'Building a stronger tomorrow through trusted financial solutions.' Patrick Amanor Buckor attributed the performance to prudent financial management, the commitment of management and staff, customer confidence, and the Board's focus on sound corporate governance and sustainable value creation. The bank's net operating income grew by 45 percent from GHS41.34 million in 2024 to GHS59.80 million in 2025, while operating expenses increased by 28 percent to GHS44.44 million.
Customer deposits rose by 27 percent from GHS227.03 million to GHS288.30 million, while gross loans and advances increased by 35 percent from GHS73.88 million to GHS99.55 million. The bank's investment portfolio also expanded by 28 percent to GHS187.62 million, while total assets increased by 27 percent from GHS262.97 million to GHS335.08 million.
Shareholders' funds increased by 46.6 percent to GHS27.48 million, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio improving from 14.36 percent to 16.92 percent, above the Bank of Ghana's minimum requirement of 10 percent. In view of the strong performance, the Board recommended a dividend of GHS0.0504 per share, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The proposed dividend amounts to GHS2.33 million, compared with GHS1.53 million in 2024, representing 25 percent of the bank's profit after tax.
Patrick Amanor Buckor said the recommendation reflected the Board's commitment to rewarding shareholders while retaining sufficient earnings to strengthen the bank's capital base and finance future expansion. The AGM also marked a new chapter for the institution following its transition from Manya Krobo Rural Bank PLC to Manya Krobo Community Bank PLC under the Bank of Ghana's rural banking reforms.
Patrick Amanor Buckor said the bank had completed the necessary regulatory processes for the conversion and was positioned to meet the enhanced prudential requirements for Community Banks. As of December 31, 2025, the bank's stated capital stood at GHS7.73 million, above the Bank of Ghana's minimum requirement of GHS5 million. The Board plans to increase the capital base to approximately GHS11.9 million by 2028 to support expansion and strengthen financial resilience.
The Association of Community Banks (ACB) Ghana commended the bank's performance but urged it to maintain strong governance and regulatory compliance. Representing the National President and National Council of the Association, the Executive Director said the bank must remain vigilant in complying with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements, consumer protection obligations, cybersecurity standards, data protection laws, and emerging digital banking regulations.
'Good governance is no longer optional; it is the foundation upon which resilient financial institutions are built,' he said. He also urged the bank to use its transition to a Community Bank to improve customer experience, strengthen its identity, and expand its competitiveness. The President of the Eastern Region Chapter of the Association of Community Banks, Professor Patrick Tandoh-Offin, said Manya Krobo Community Bank remained a dependable institution supporting economic activity within the Krobo enclave and beyond.
He commended its support for farmers, women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs, and small-scale enterprises, saying such interventions were critical to financial inclusion and local economic development. Professor Patrick Tandoh-Offin said the ongoing Bank of Ghana reforms presented an opportunity for community banks to professionalize operations, strengthen risk management, and build more sustainable institutions. He pledged the Eastern Region Chapter's support as Manya Krobo Community Bank navigates the reforms.
Beyond its financial performance, the bank invested GHS393,313 in corporate social responsibility initiatives during 2025, supporting education, health, community development, and other social interventions. The bank awarded scholarships worth GHS103,000 to brilliant but financially disadvantaged students as part of its commitment to expanding educational opportunities. The institution also highlighted initiatives supporting women-led enterprises through credit facilities, gender-sensitive products, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training.
Patrick Amanor Buckor said the bank's 2026-2028 Strategic Plan would focus on deepening customer relationships, digital transformation, improved service delivery, stronger risk management and governance, operational efficiency, and increased shareholder value. The bank is also seeking approval from the Bank of Ghana for the proposed construction of a new Banking Complex on its land at Ashiyie in Accra. He said the facility, together with continued investment in digital banking and process automation, would strengthen the bank's operational capacity and market presence.
Manya Krobo Community Bank is also preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028. Patrick Amanor Buckor said the bank, incorporated on September 5, 1978, had grown into an institution with more than 2,600 shareholders and partnerships extending across Ghana and beyond. He said a committee had been constituted to begin planning a modest golden anniversary celebration. The AGM comes as Ghana marks 50 years of rural and community banking. The Association said community banks had played a significant role in promoting financial inclusion, supporting agriculture, empowering small businesses, mobilizing rural savings, and stimulating local economic growth.
The Board expressed confidence that the bank's strong capital position, liquidity, workforce, and resilient business model would provide a firm foundation for sustained growth.