Corporate governance in Ghana: An analysis of board accountability in Ghanaian listed banks
Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance
ISSN: 1358-1988
Article publication date: 22 May 2019
Issue publication date: 23 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the mechanisms that were being used to enhance board accountability of Ghanaian listed banks, and how board accountability can be improved.
Design/methodology/approach
The 2011 and 2016 annual reports of listed banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange were examined, and a survey questionnaire was sent to board members of nine banks.
Findings
The results show that the directors of Ghanaian listed banks prioritise a shareholder approach to accountability, with a shift towards stakeholders. Audit committees, external audits and internal audits were the main mechanisms used by these banks to enhance board accountability. Some of these mechanisms were not used effectively by a number of these banks.
Practical implications
Board accountability can be improved by appointing very competent people to the board, the national adoption of a mandatory code of corporate governance, regular rotation of external auditors and requiring non-executive directors to stand for re-election more frequently. Our research identifies weaknesses of accountability mechanisms and offers timely recommendations for banks and regulators to build stronger corporate governance systems.
Originality/value
This study obtained valuable opinions of the boards of directors, provides insights on boards of Ghanaian listed banks and contributes to the literature of corporate governance and accountability in Africa.
Keywords
Citation
Amartey, L.A., Yu, M. and Chukwu-lobelu, O. (2019), "Corporate governance in Ghana: An analysis of board accountability in Ghanaian listed banks", Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 126-140. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRC-12-2017-0111
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited