By Spy Uganda
Ghana has taken a bold step in redefining digital payments across Africa, becoming the first country on the continent to integrate payment functionality into its national identity card while also rolling out a universal QR code system.
The innovation positions Ghana as a leader in financial technology, reducing reliance on global payment giants such as Visa and Mastercard within the African market.
The enhanced Ghana Card now doubles as a payment tool, allowing citizens to carry out secure transactions both locally and internationally. Accepted in more than 200 countries, the card supports online shopping, in-store purchases, and ATM withdrawals, while also offering added benefits such as insurance coverage and emergency assistance services.
Cardholders can easily activate the payment feature through the MyCitizens App or by dialing *402#, making the system accessible to a broad segment of the population.
In a parallel move, the Bank of Ghana has introduced a nationwide universal QR code payment solution in partnership with HPS. This initiative makes Ghana the first African country to harmonize QR code payments across all platforms.
The system allows consumers to pay merchants using multiple funding sources, including mobile wallets, bank accounts, and cards, regardless of the service provider. This interoperability is expected to significantly boost financial inclusion and convenience.
Speaking at the Mobile Technology for Development Conference in Accra, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the inclusivity of the initiative.
“This will apply to all retailers whether you are selling pure water, trotro service, or waakye,” he said, highlighting its relevance for both small-scale vendors and larger businesses.
The rollout is being implemented by Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems, a subsidiary of the central bank, which has been working to accelerate Ghana’s transition toward a cashless economy.
One of the system’s key strengths is its accessibility. While smartphone users can simply scan QR codes, users of basic mobile phones, often referred to locally as ‘yam’ phones, can complete transactions by dialing a USSD code provided by the merchant. Payments are processed instantly, whether through static or dynamic QR codes.
Officials say the timing of the rollout aligns with global trends favoring contactless transactions, particularly following guidance from the World Health Organization to minimize the handling of cash.
GhIPSS CEO Archie Hesse described the development as a major milestone.
“At this time, our quest towards a modern, cashless society is more important than ever and we are proud to be the first African country to implement this universal QR code solution,” he said.
Globally, QR code payments have been widely popularized by Chinese tech firms such as Ant Financial and Tencent through platforms like WeChat and Alipay.
Other countries have followed suit, including Singapore and India, which launched their own universal QR systems in recent years.
Despite concerns that such innovations could sideline traditional card providers, experts note that companies like Visa and Mastercard are already adapting by integrating QR-based payment options into their services.
With these groundbreaking initiatives, Ghana is not only modernizing its financial ecosystem but also setting a precedent for other African nations seeking to embrace digital transformation and financial inclusion.
