Accra: The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has called on the public, especially stakeholders in the financial sector, to contribute to the guidelines for the regulation and supervision of non-interest banking (NIB) in the country.

The guidelines, issued in line with the Central Bank’s procedures for the issuance of directives, 2020, are designed to govern the regulation and supervision of NIB in Ghana and address the growing interest from individuals, banks, and financial institutions in the introduction of non-interest banking products and services.

On December 9, 2025, the central bank released an exposure draft, which will be available on its website for a period of at least 14 days. It expects comments before December 24, 2025.

The draft would contribute strategically to the growth of the real sector of the economy, deepen financial inclusion, promote the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and create new banking and finance jobs, the central bank explained.

In the case of foreign ownership of a Non-Interest Banking Institution (NIBI), not less than 60 per cent of the required capitalisation or contribution shall be brought into Ghana in convertible currency, which is to be invested in non-interest compliant instruments.

“Where a final approval is granted, the applicant will be required to pay the initial licensing fee before the licence is issued,” the Central Bank stated, adding that a licensed institution is required to pay an annual licensing fee on or before 31st January of each year.

With respect to eligibility, it is provided that a person who seeks to carry on an NIB business shall be a body corporate formed under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), pursuant to Act 774, Act 930, and Act 1032, and shall operate only with a licence by the Bank.

An application for an NIB licence shall be made in writing to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, indicating the application shall indicate the type of NIB licence being applied for (full-fledged or window).

Financial technology (fintech) companies developing, marketing, or distributing products that have non-interest financial characteristics are required to enter a prior written agreement with a licensed NIBI approved by the Bank. The agreement must specify the roles, responsibilities, and regulatory compliance obligations for both the fintech company and the NIBI.

“Under such an agreement, the NIBI must assume responsibility for product structuring, governance, and underlying financial obligations, while the fintech company may serve as a technology and distribution channel,” the Central Bank indicated.

Meanwhile, NIBIs are expected to ensure that their products are devoid of interest, uncertainty, gambling/betting, derivative instruments that do not adhere to NIBF principles, and financing of and investment in activities that are prohibited under NIBF principles.