The Ghana Association of Banks is urging lenders to prepare for new risks as Ghana exits the IMF Extended Credit Facility programme in August 2026.

The Association says the end of external support could expose banks to fresh pressures despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

The Association notes that while stabilization efforts have strengthened confidence and created room for credit expansion, banks must prepare for a more volatile operating landscape once programme support ends.

Key among the concerns are possible swings in global interest rates, the risk of potential capital flow reversals and renewed currency pressures, factors that could tighten liquidity and raise funding costs across the banking system.

The Association stresses that these external shocks could test balance sheets if not proactively managed.

To mitigate these risks, banks are being urged to deepen risk management frameworks, maintain prudent lending standards and diversify portfolios, particularly toward infrastructure financing and high-growth sectors.

According to the Association, a disciplined approach will be critical to protecting financial stability and ensuring the sector emerges stronger in Ghana’s post- Extended Credit Facility programme.

The Ghana Association of Banks is also projecting single-digit inflation throughout 2026, anchored on continued fiscal discipline as the IMF-supported programme winds down.

The Association says the outlook is supported by stronger external reserves, tighter monetary conditions and ongoing fiscal consolidation but cautions that inflation risks could resurface once IMF support comes to an end.

The sharp decline of inflation to 5.4 percent in 2025, however, points to a strong disinflation phase, underpinned by tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation and relative exchange-rate stability.

Looking ahead, the Association says sustaining low inflation beyond 2026 will depend on anchoring expectations, maintaining fiscal discipline, and tackling structural drivers of food inflation and import dependence to prevent a rebound.