The Bank of Ghana has cautioned all Regulated Financial Institutions (RFIs) that failure to comply with timelines under its Directive on Financial Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities will attract administrative sanctions.
The Directive, issued in January 2025, requires banks, finance houses, non-bank financial institutions, and payment service providers to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to financial services for persons with disabilities.
The warning was contained in a notice signed by Aimee Vyda Quashie, Acting Secretary of the Bank, on April 20, 2026.
The central bank outlined a comprehensive compliance framework, mandating institutions to adopt internal disability inclusion policies, appoint senior managers to oversee implementation, conduct accessibility audits, and introduce inclusive financial products by December 31, 2026.
According to the notice, the Bank will closely monitor adherence to disability-focused policies, staff and agent training programmes, and accessibility initiatives across the financial sector.
It stressed that violations of the Directive would not be tolerated, warning that institutions that fail to comply could face penalties ranging from fines to suspension of licences or other administrative actions.
The Bank of Ghana further emphasised that denying services to persons with disabilities solely on the basis of their condition is strictly prohibited.
RFIs are also required to provide priority and respectful service to persons with disabilities, supported by clear and visible signage to inform customers of such provisions.
Additionally, institutions must submit annual reports detailing the implementation of disability inclusion measures, including expenditure, user feedback, and identified gaps.
The Directive sets out key deadlines for compliance, including the development of internal disability inclusion policies by July 31, 2026, board approval by September 30, 2026, and submission to the central bank by October 31, 2026.
Financial institutions are also expected to undertake staff training, conduct accessibility audits of both physical and digital channels, and organise consumer awareness programmes tailored to persons with disabilities.
By the end of 2026, RFIs must upgrade their customer support systems, including call centres, to incorporate voice and text feedback options, and ensure that service notices are available in accessible formats such as braille, large print, and audio.
Institutions are further required to designate at least one fully accessible branch in each operational zone, in line with standards set by the Ghana Standards Authority.
The central bank noted that compliance monitoring would be continuous, supported by periodic audits where necessary.
It reiterated that non-compliance would attract sanctions under the Directive, underscoring its commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive participation in Ghana’s financial system.
All regulated institutions have been directed to fully align their policies and operational frameworks with the Directive by December 31, 2026.
