Ghana's banking sector is regulated by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and consists of 23 universal banks following the 2017-2018 sector reform that raised minimum capital to GH¢400 million and resolved several non-viable institutions. The market is anchored by a mix of long-established domestic banks like GCB and ADB and international groups including Standard Chartered, Stanbic, Absa, and Ecobank. Diaspora flows from the UK, US, and Canada land daily into Cedi accounts via SWIFT — each Ghanaian bank SWIFT code below is the routing identifier for that destination.

How to use a Ghana bank SWIFT code

To send an international wire to a Ghana bank, you give your sending bank three items: (1) the recipient bank's SWIFT code (8 or 11 characters); (2) the recipient's account number; (3) the full name of the account holder as registered with the bank.

The 8-character SWIFT code identifies the head office. 11-character codes ending in 'XXX' also identify the head office; codes ending in other sequences identify a specific branch. When in doubt, use the 8-character head-office code — the SWIFT system will route correctly.

Typical timing is 1 to 5 business days, depending on intermediary (correspondent) banks involved. Fees vary considerably: a SWIFT wire from a UK bank to an African bank typically costs £15-30 on the sending side plus an FX spread, while a mobile-first operator like Wise or LemFi can be materially cheaper for smaller amounts.

FAQ

How many banks are listed for Ghana?

We currently list 12 commercial banks licensed by the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Each SWIFT/BIC code has been verified against two independent sources.

Is the SWIFT code the same as the BIC?

Yes. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) and BIC (Business Identifier Code) are two names for the same 8 or 11-character identifier standardised by ISO 9362.

Do I need a SWIFT code for an international wire to Ghana?

Yes. The sending bank needs the SWIFT code to route the wire through the SWIFT network. You will also need the recipient's account number; some banks also request the bank's full physical address.

Is there a cheaper alternative to a bank wire to Ghana?

For smaller amounts to Ghana, operators such as Wise, LemFi, Sendwave, and TapTap Send typically offer a rate closer to mid-market and lower fees than a classic SWIFT bank wire. For very large amounts (above $50,000), a SWIFT wire from a bank usually remains the practical choice.

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