85.5% of Ghanaians die without will – Rate sparks push for better estate planning.
An estimated 85.5 per cent of Ghanaian adults die without a will, raising concerns about estate management and family welfare in the country, a recent report by the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation has revealed.
The figure is significantly higher than the global average of about 50 per cent and Africa’s average of 59 per cent, highlighting a growing challenge in Ghana.
Dying intestate often leaves families in distress, as estates become subject of disputes and mismanagement, leading to the loss of generational wealth, and in some cases, deepening poverty over time.
To change the trend, the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has introduced an estate planning solution, dubbed UMB LegacyCare+, meant to simplify will writing, improve access to estate planning services and encourage more Ghanaians to secure their assets and protect their families’ future.
Accessible platform
Speaking at the launch of the solution in Accra on Friday, April 24, the Head, Registrars & Wealth Management at the Universal Merchant Bank, Niine Inkumsah Sarpong, said the solution would offer Ghanaians a simple, secure and accessible platform to plan their estates with confidence and clarity.
“It is not simply about launching a solution, but confronting something deeply personal—the ability of every individual to plan their estate with clarity, dignity and confidence,” he said.
She stressed that the platform was designed to address long-standing barriers such as fear, cultural hesitation and limited access to trusted advisory services, which had discouraged many individuals from preparing wills.
Digital convenience
Ms Sarpong said that by combining digital convenience with expert guidance, the solution was expected to help users navigate the entire estate planning process—from understanding their options to drafting and finalising legally sound documents.
She said it would also promote awareness that estate planning was not reserved for the wealthy but was a practical step for anyone seeking to protect their loved ones, preserve assets and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth, ultimately helping to reduce disputes, strengthen family security and contribute to broader financial stability in the country.
“Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it is a necessary step for anyone who wants to protect their family and ensure their wishes are honoured,” she said.
Transformation agenda
The Head of Corporate Communications at the Universal Merchant Bank, Edem Knight-Tay, said the introduction of LegacyCare+ formed part of the bank’s broader transformation agenda aimed at delivering innovative and customer-focused financial solutions.
She said that the product went beyond traditional banking services by addressing the long-term needs of customers, particularly in safeguarding their assets and ensuring continuity for their families.
She explained that although conversations around wills were often avoided due to cultural perceptions, estate planning was essential to prevent confusion, disputes and unintended outcomes after death.
She said that the solution provided customers with clarity, control and peace of mind by ensuring their intentions were properly documented and professionally managed.
“This was not just about launching a product, but about responding to a real societal need—ensuring that families were not left vulnerable, confused or unprotected when a loved one passed on,” she said.
