Credit risk management of Ghanaian listed banks

The study aims to assess credit risk management practices within financial institutions in Ghana. Specifically, the study compares credit risk management practices of listed banks in Ghana with Basel II (1999).

The analysis is based on data gathered from varied sources, namely, use of questionnaires, analysis of internal credit policies and procedure manuals and semi-structured interviews and discussions with credit risk managers of the selected banks in May 2007 and October 2014.

Overall, the credit risk management practices within listed banks in Ghana are in line with sound practices. The only dissimilarity, however, is the role of the board of directors in defining acceptable types of loans and maximum maturities for the various types of loans. The listed banks in Ghana are also exposed to credit risks associated with granting both corporate and small business commercial loans and the use of collaterals to mitigate their credit risk exposures.

Banks in Ghana should consider developing the skills of all their personnel and appropriately motivating those involved in the credit risk management processes to ensure that they carry out this process efficiently.

Research into credit risk management in the banking industry from the Ghanaian perspective remains scant. This study is, therefore, timely, and its findings are invaluable for the efficient management of credit risk in the banking industry. This study provides policy recommendations which will enhance shareholder value and, in this way, contribute to greater stability in the banking sector in developing countries, in particular.