President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has lauded Ghana’s strides in e-government infrastructure, particularly in the realms of fintech and financial inclusion, placing Ghana among African countries leveraging technology to reshape public service delivery and expand financial access.
Addressing attendees at the 3i Africa summit in Accra, which was held from 13th to 15th May, President Akuffo-Addo stated that 17 million Ghanaians now possess a digital ID linking them seamlessly to the critical services they need to thrive in the modern world. This has made it possible for the Ghana.gov portal to facilitate “transactions worth some GH¢1.6 billion since its inception in 2019.”
The President highlighted the transformative impact of e-government initiatives such as the Ghana Card, Ghana.gov portal, and mobile money interoperability, which have improved revenue collection.
“Mobile money adoption has increased considerably with some 44 million accounts registered by the end of 2023, and transactions surpassing GH¢ 1 trillion.” He stated.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted Ghana’s achievement in increasing financial inclusion, noting that the percentage of adults with access to financial services has risen from 58% in 2017 to approximately 80% in 2023. He described this progress as a remarkable achievement that has transformed countless lives and opened up new horizons of opportunity.
“Our fintech regulatory environment has become a hotbed of innovation and competition, attracting the best and brightest minds from across the continent and beyond.” The president noted.
The 3i Africa Summit, themed “Unleashing Africa’s Fintech and Economic Potential,” aligned with Africa’s digital aspirations. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of seizing the momentous opportunities presented by the fintech revolution and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Through public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration, Africa can create a seamless and efficient fintech ecosystem that aligns perfectly with AfCFTA’s objective of a fully integrated, digital African economy.”
President Akufo-Addo concluded by calling on participants to work towards a future where borders are mere lines on a map, digital innovation knows no bounds, and the aspirations of every African can be fully realized. He expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to create a brighter tomorrow through unity and collective action.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
