Ghana is positioning itself as a leading hub for Ghana digital financial integration, with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems outlining an ambitious strategy to deepen cross-border payment connectivity across Africa.
Speaking at the 3i Africa Summit 2026 in Accra, Chief Executive Clara B. Arthur emphasised that the future of financial systems on the continent depends on interoperability beyond national borders.
“The future of digital finance lies in cross-border interoperability,” she said, noting that Ghana is ready to link its instant payment systems with other African platforms to boost trade and economic activity.
Ghana’s Digital Payment Model Gains Traction
Arthur highlighted Ghana’s progress in building an inclusive and efficient digital payments ecosystem, supported by strong collaboration with the Bank of Ghana.
She explained that interoperable platforms, including mobile money transfers, instant payments and domestic card services, have transformed how people transact, making payments faster and more accessible.
Using everyday experiences, she pointed to how users now expect seamless transactions regardless of the platform. “That expectation reflects a system built on trust and efficiency,” she said.
As part of efforts to strengthen its infrastructure, GhIPSS is transitioning to the ISO 20022 global messaging standard. The upgrade is expected to improve transaction speed, enhance data quality and align Ghana’s systems with international financial networks.
Arthur described the move as a “strategic repositioning,” aimed at making Ghana’s payment ecosystem globally competitive.
She also revealed plans to collaborate with virtual asset service providers under new regulatory frameworks, signalling cautious engagement with emerging digital asset markets.
Collaboration Key to Growth
Despite the progress, Arthur stressed that infrastructure alone will not drive transformation. She called for deeper collaboration among banks, fintech firms and financial service providers to fully leverage shared systems.
Institutions yet to connect to the national switch were encouraged to join, as shared infrastructure reduces costs and supports scalable innovation.
Arthur reiterated that the broader goal of Ghana’s digital finance strategy is to expand financial inclusion and economic participation.
“Digital finance must move beyond systems to deliver real impact in people’s lives,” she said, underscoring GhIPSS’s commitment to building infrastructure that supports innovation while reaching underserved populations.
The summit continues to bring together policymakers, fintech leaders and global partners to shape the future of financial integration across Africa.
READ ALSO: GSE Composite Index Falls 0.35% as Financial Stocks Lead Tuesday Decline
