Archie Hesse, GhIPSS boss
MEMBERS OF the public can now pay for goods and services through the universal GH QR code, as some five banks have started its deployment.
The banks include Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, GCB, Zenith Bank, Bank of Africa and Agriculture Development Bank. The remaining banks are still in the process to enable them begin the rollout.
Vice-President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, launched the universal QR code in March this year.
The service adds on to the plethora of electronic payment solutions that the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) has rolled out over the years.
With the QR code, customers only need to scan the codes displayed at various shops and other outlets with their smart phones to make payment. Those who do not have smart phones can pay with their feature phones by dialling a code that will also be displayed at the merchant’s location.
QR code is cheap and easy to set up. It is also a quick and secure way to make payment. It takes away the direct contact associated with cash transactions, which makes it safer to use during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ecobank has converted most of its clients’ QR codes to make them transact business to all customers regardless of their banks. The other four banks have begun deploying their GH QR codes at various outlets.
Chief Executive of GhIPSS, Archie Hesse, commended the banks which had started the deployment and encouraged businesses to liaise with banks to have the GH QR code installed to increase their payment options to customers.
He also challenged the remaining banks to quicken up the processes, as they risked losing their clients to other banks.
“Once you find the QR Code displayed, you just have to scan and you pay or dial the USSD code and pay, it is that convenient. GH QR is universal so anyone can use any of them, regardless of your bank,” Mr. Hesse stressed.
A wide range of businesses including taxi drivers, small shops, super markets, pharmacies, chop bars, restaurants as well as major service providers could all use QR codes to accept payments, the GhIPSS boss noted.
BY Samuel Boadi