GCB Bank PLC shareholders will receive a dividend payout of GH¢265 million for the 2025 financial year, with the qualification and payment dates now in focus following approval at the bank’s 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra.
The bank confirmed that shareholders whose names appear on its register by the close of business on the qualification date will be eligible for the final dividend of GH¢1.00 per share, with payment scheduled shortly afterwards. The announcement marks a significant return to dividend payments after a five-year hiatus driven largely by regulatory constraints.
The approval, which secured an overwhelming 96.77 per cent endorsement from shareholders, follows clearance from the Bank of Ghana after earlier setbacks. Last year’s proposed dividend was not approved by the regulator, a development the Board Chairman, Professor Joshua Alabi, described as disappointing for both the board and investors.
“Last year, the regulatory authorities did not approve our proposed dividend. This was disappointing not only for you, our valued shareholders, but also for us as directors. Your concerns are our concerns, and your satisfaction remains our priority,” he said.
Professor Alabi explained that sustained engagement with the central bank over the past year paved the way for the current approval, restoring investor confidence and enabling the bank to reward shareholders after years of restraint.
“We are pleased that our efforts have yielded positive results. I am delighted to announce that the Bank of Ghana has granted approval for the payment of dividends for the 2025 financial year,” he added.
The dividend declaration is underpinned by a strong financial performance, with the bank posting a 67.4 per cent increase in operating profit to GH¢3.17 billion in 2025, up from GH¢1.9 billion in the previous year. Operating income also rose by 40.9 per cent to GH¢6.3 billion, reflecting broad-based growth across its business lines.
Total assets expanded by 23 per cent to GH¢52.6 billion, while customer deposits grew by 19.7 per cent to GH¢41.3 billion. The bank’s loan portfolio recorded a significant 56.8 per cent increase, signalling stronger credit expansion and market activity.
The improved performance has translated into tangible gains for shareholders, with the bank’s share price rising sharply from about GH¢6 to GH¢20 by the end of 2025. Management says the combination of profitability and market performance justifies the decision to resume dividend payments.
Beyond immediate returns, the bank is positioning itself for sustained growth through a regional expansion strategy. Professor Alabi disclosed that GCB is exploring opportunities to acquire one of Liberia’s leading banks, alongside potential entry into The Gambia, as part of efforts to evolve from a domestic leader into a regional financial institution.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh