Ghana’s largest mobile network MTN launched this year’s mobile money month at a colourful ceremony at the Rawlings Park in Accra on Wednesday.
It is the seventh in the series since the start of the celebration in 2009.
The launch, which was under the theme, ‘Let’s Go Cashless with MTN Mobile Money,’ was replicated across all the 10 regions of Ghana.
Activities lined up include debates, stakeholder conference, merchant/agent fora, consumer promotions, etc.
For the past five years, MTN has dedicated the month of August to the promotion of the use of mobile money and education of the public on its usefulness.
General Manager of MTN Mobile Money, Eli Hini said in his address that the first few years of the service were slow because people were not familiar with it.
He indicated that the celebration of the mobile money month over the years affords the company the opportunity to engage with clients for direct feedback which has helped in driving the general understanding and usage of mobile money in Ghana.
He asserted that the country’s thriving mobile money industry calls for rules and regulations to ensure that the full benefits are realized.
“With a service that has more than 5 million active subscribers and over 46,000 merchants nationwide for MTN only, we can make a good case for Ghana to drive the digital agenda within the framework of law,” he emphasized.
According to the General Manager, all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring that the steady growth of the industry is maintained by an enabling regulatory environment that supports the increasing synergies between the banking and mobile financial services industries.
He mentioned reduction in the cost of currency printing, lower risks for individuals and banks associated with transporting notes, increased service options for consumers, among others, as some of the benefits the country will derive from the mobile money industry if a structured programme is developed.
He reiterated that MTN Ghana’s Mobile Money service is the only ISO certified service in the country, adding that the company is committed to taking bold steps to ensure that Ghana goes cashless through mobile money.
A Business Desk report