85.5% of Ghanaian adults die without wills — Report

A recent report by the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation has revealed that an estimated 85.5% of adults in Ghana die without leaving a will, a situation that is raising serious concerns about estate planning, family welfare, and wealth preservation in the country.

The report indicates that Ghana’s figure is well above the global average of about 50% and the African average of 59%, underscoring what analysts describe as a persistent gap in awareness and practice of estate planning.

According to the findings, dying intestate often leaves families exposed to prolonged disputes over property distribution, mismanagement of estates, and in some cases, the gradual erosion of generational wealth, which can deepen financial hardship among surviving relatives.

In response to the challenge, the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has launched a new estate planning initiative known as UMB LegacyCare+, designed to make will writing and estate management more accessible and less complicated for the public.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Friday, April 24, the Head of Registrars and Wealth Management at UMB, Niine Inkumsah Sarpong, said the initiative is aimed at helping individuals plan their estates with greater clarity and confidence.

He explained that the platform seeks to remove long standing barriers such as fear, cultural hesitation, and limited access to professional advisory services, which have discouraged many people from preparing wills.

According to him, LegacyCare+ combines digital tools with professional guidance to support users through the entire estate planning process, from understanding available options to drafting and finalising legally sound documents.

He stressed that estate planning should not be viewed as something reserved for wealthy individuals, but rather as a practical step for anyone who wishes to protect their family and ensure orderly transfer of assets.

The Head of Corporate Communications at UMB, Edem Knight Tay, added that the initiative forms part of the bank’s broader transformation agenda focused on delivering innovative and customer centred financial solutions.

She noted that although discussions around wills are often avoided due to cultural beliefs, proper estate planning is essential to prevent confusion, conflict, and unintended outcomes after death.

She said the LegacyCare+ platform is intended to give customers greater clarity, control, and peace of mind by ensuring their wishes are properly documented and professionally managed.

According to her, the initiative responds to a real societal need by helping families avoid vulnerability and disputes when a loved one passes on, while also strengthening long term financial security.