The Government has announced progress toward establishing the Women’s Development Bank, including the incorporation of the institution and the provision of GH¢400 million in initial capital, with full operations expected before the end of 2026.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the bank, registered as WDB GH LTD on January 26, 2026, has submitted its application for a banking licence to the Bank of Ghana, where it is currently under review.
“In fulfilment of the capital requirement for licensing, the Ministry of Finance has deposited an amount of GH¢400 million into an account with the Bank of Ghana as the initial capital for the Women’s Development Bank,” Dr. Forson said.
The Finance Minister indicated that the capital deposit forms part of the requirements for obtaining a banking licence and is expected to support the bank’s planned commencement of operations before the end of 2026.
According to the government, the Women’s Development Bank is intended to improve access to finance for women-owned businesses by providing financial products and services tailored to their needs, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and support women’s participation in economic development through increased access to credit and business financing.
