UBA Ghana has recorded the lowest non-performing loan (NPL) ratio among the banks assessed in Ghana for the first half of 2026, while more than doubling its customer loan portfolio over the same period.
According to the Ghana Banking Sector NPL Ratios and Loan Growth analysis for H1 2026, UBA Ghana recorded an NPL ratio of 1.7%, compared with an industry average of 16.1% among the 23 banks assessed.
The bank’s latest performance represents a significant improvement from its 17.3% NPL ratio in H1 2025, translating into a 15.6 percentage-point reduction within one year.
Loan portfolio grows by 108.3%
The improvement in asset quality came alongside substantial expansion in lending.
UBA Ghana’s customer loans and advances increased from GH¢722 million in H1 2025 to GH¢1.504 billion in H1 2026, representing growth of 108.3%.
This means the bank more than doubled its lending to customers while simultaneously recording the lowest NPL ratio among the banks covered by the analysis.
The bank attributed the improvement to recoveries and the remediation of existing delinquent loans, alongside stronger credit risk management and portfolio monitoring.
UBA Ghana remains below regulatory threshold
UBA Ghana’s 1.7% NPL ratio is also significantly below the 10% regulatory threshold.
The development comes as the wider banking sector continues to make progress in reducing bad loans. The industry’s overall NPL ratio fell from 23.1% in H1 2025 to 16.1% in H1 2026, with 17 banks recording improvements and five reporting deterioration.
UBA Ghana’s latest figure therefore places the bank substantially below both the regulatory benchmark and industry average.
Kenneth Amponsah, Chief Risk Officer of UBA Ghana, said the performance reflects the bank’s emphasis on responsible lending, credit assessment and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
He said the bank’s objective is to expand credit while maintaining strong asset quality and understanding the businesses and customers receiving financing.
UBA loan growth outpaces industry
The bank’s loan growth also exceeded the pace recorded across the sector.
Industry customer loans increased from GH¢71.3 billion in H1 2025 to GH¢107.2 billion in H1 2026, representing growth of 50.3%.
UBA Ghana’s 108.3% growth was therefore more than twice the industry’s rate.
According to Amponsah, the bank’s diversified lending portfolio, including financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), AfCFTA-related export activities and consumer loans, contributed to the expansion.
He disclosed that UBA Ghana provided approximately GH¢1.5 billion in support to SMEs during the period under review.
Bank strengthens sustainable lending
UBA Ghana said it has also incorporated environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its loan assessment process.
The bank said the approach is intended to ensure that its lending supports sustainable economic activity while maintaining the ability of borrowers to repay their facilities.
Amponsah said UBA Ghana would continue focusing on early identification of emerging risks, proactive portfolio management and close engagement with customers to support sustainable businesses.
The bank said it will also leverage its risk-management framework, customer relationships and wider African network to provide financing to businesses and individuals while protecting depositors’ funds.
UBA Ghana’s combination of rapid loan growth and a significantly reduced NPL ratio underscores its strategy of expanding credit while maintaining disciplined risk management.
