Journal of Enterprise and Development (JED)
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

The Impact of Corporate Governance and Firm Characteristics on Financial Performance of Listed Firms in Ghana

Anthony Ashun (Fort Hays State University, Hays, United States)
Sagoe Abass Alhassan (Catholic University College, Sunyani, Ghana)
Sani Abubakar (Fort Hays State University, Hays, United States)
Evans Tetteh Akoto (North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Jan 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of corporate governance mechanisms and firm-specific characteristics on financial performance among listed companies in Ghana.Method: The study employs panel data analysis of secondary data from 2013 to 2022 for firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, utilizing key performance indicators (ROE, ROA, and GPM) and explanatory variables (board size, board independence, firm size, leverage, and firm age).Result: The findings indicate that board size has a significant positive relationship with both ROE and ROA, suggesting that larger boards enhance monitoring capacity and strategic oversight. However, board independence shows no significant effect on profitability, implying that the mere presence of independent directors may not lead to improved financial performance. Additionally, firm size and age are positively associated with profitability, emphasizing the importance of organizational maturity and scale in sustaining financial outcomes. Conversely, leverage negatively affects both ROA and GPM.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: The study advocates for reforms that promote functional governance practices and cautions against the universal application of board composition norms. The findings have implications for policymakers, investors, and corporate boards aiming to optimize governance structures for financial resilience.Originality/Value: This study provides novel insights into the corporate governance-performance relationship in Ghana by utilizing advanced econometric techniques. It addresses a significant gap in the literature, particularly in the context of emerging markets, by analyzing a decade of firm-level data from Ghana's listed companies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jed

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Enterprise and Development (JED) (p-ISSN: 2715-3118/ e-ISSN: 2685-8258) is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality research in economics, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and tourism, with a particular focus on enterprise development, innovation, public ...