Ghana’s payment infrastructure has evolved from vision to reality, with interoperability now enabling seamless financial transactions across banks, fintechs, and mobile money platforms, according to GhIPSS Chief Executive Clara B. Arthur.
Speaking at the 3iAfrica Summit 2026 in Accra, Ms. Arthur said the progress reflects a broader ambition for Ghana and Africa to build a digitally integrated financial future anchored on innovation, investment, and impact.
Ms. Arthur illustrated the impact with a real-world example: a Makola market trader who, when asked how she preferred to receive payment, responded without hesitation, “Mobile money.”
“She did not ask whether the sender was using a bank account or a wallet. She simply expected to receive the money without delay,” Ms. Arthur said.
That expectation, she explained, is the result of interoperability — made possible through collaboration between GhIPSS, financial institutions, mobile money operators, fintechs, and the Bank of Ghana. “What that moment represents goes beyond technology.
It represents trust, access, and progress.”
Building a connected ecosystem:
Established by the Bank of Ghana in 2007, GhIPSS was tasked with leading Ghana’s payment systems transformation through interoperable infrastructure that connects all players and reduces the cost of digital financial services.
Today, that vision is materializing through platforms including the national switching and processing system — gh-link, Ghana’s domestic card scheme, the Instant Payment system, Mobile Money Interoperability, Cheque Codeline Clearing, and Direct Credit and Debit systems.
“More importantly, we have done this in partnership with the industry, under the regulatory guidance of the Bank of Ghana, ensuring that our infrastructure continues to evolve in line with the needs of banks, fintechs, and other service providers,” she said.
She emphasized that sustaining progress will require deeper collaboration and leadership guided by innovation. GhIPSS, she said, is proud to partner with the Bank of Ghana and the Global Finance and Technology Network in hosting this year’s summit.
“For Ghana, it signals our commitment to digital finance as a driver of economic transformation. For Africa, it presents an opportunity to strengthen cross-border systems that unlock growth at scale,” she added.
Ghana’s interoperable payment ecosystem is increasingly seen as a benchmark for other African countries looking to deepen financial inclusion and reduce transaction costs. With mobile money adoption widespread and digital payments mainstreamed, the focus is now on scaling these systems regionally and supporting cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The 3iAfrica Summit 2026 runs from May 6–8 at the Destiny Arena in Accra, bringing together policymakers, investors, and innovators to shape Africa’s digital finance agenda.
