Effectiveness of operational risk management in selected banks in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of operational risk management in selected banks in Ghana (UT Bank Ltd, SG Ghana Ltd, Agriculture Development Bank Ltd and Cal Bank Ltd). The study sought to find out how effective Ghanaian Banks are managing operational risk since its inception in Ghana about a decade ago. The data was collected by the use of questioners and interview guide which help to analyzed and present results in percentage and frequency tables. The study also revealed that the cardinal features such as operational risk identification, assessment, evaluation, and reporting and monitoring as prescribed by the regulator (BoG) were adhered to by the banks. The selected banks have also put in place effective measures, controls, procedures and systems to facilitate operational risk management. The study shown that the banks, as part of Basel Committee and Bank of Ghana regulations have complied with GHS 60 million minimum capital requirement, used sound best practice policy, provided sound operational Risk Management environment. The banks, in line with the regulator’s requirement have provided seven percent equity requirement and eleven percent liquidity as prescribed by law. It was recommended that the banks should periodically review their operational risk limitations and control strategies and adjust their operational risk profile accordingly using appropriate methodology which is in line with their overall risk appetite.