Nigerian Access Holdings has reduced its stake in Access Bank Ghana Plc to 85.96%, down from 93.40% previously, after selling 12.09 million ordinary shares, representing 7.44% of the capital, on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
The transaction was carried out by Access Bank Plc, the Nigerian group’s banking subsidiary, after obtaining approval from the Bank of Ghana. Since the shares sold were existing securities, the proceeds of the transaction go to the selling shareholder and not to Access Bank Ghana.
Despite the reduction in its stake, Access Holdings still holds a significant majority of the capital of its Ghanaian subsidiary and retains operational control.
In its financial statements for 2025, Access Holdings had highlighted regulatory constraints that could limit dividend distributions from certain foreign banking subsidiaries.
The sale of part of the stake provides the parent company with a way to generate resources without relinquishing control of the business in Ghana.
The transaction also increases the portion of Access Bank Ghana’s capital held by investors other than its parent company.
With a stake of 85.96%, Access Holdings retains control of Access Bank Ghana while reducing its direct exposure to the subsidiary’s capital.
