In a push to expand digital financial services to underserved regions in Ghana, the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association (GFPA) is gearing up for a nationwide roadshow aimed at driving financial inclusion across the country.

The initiative, set to launch in 2025, targets the northern and middle regions, where access to digital financial services lags behind the southern parts of the country. This roadshow promises to be a transformative step in Ghana’s digital finance sector, bridging regional disparities and fostering financial inclusion.

The decision to bring the roadshow to Ghana’s underserved regions stems from the GFPA’s commitment to equal access to digital financial services. Martin Awagah, President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, highlighted the importance of expanding the digital financial ecosystem to areas where these services are less accessible.

“A lot of digital financial services products have been developed, and the majority of them are being used within the southern belt of Ghana. So, more opportunities need to be exploited within the northern and middle belts of Ghana. Now, there’s the need to also take education to them. That’s one of the things that we are working with other stakeholders to make sure going forward next year and the years beyond, we take some of these activities and events not just within Accra, but expand the reach.”
Martin Awagah

More Than Just An Awareness Campaign

The roadshow is more than just an awareness campaign; it is a comprehensive initiative designed to educate, engage, and empower residents in rural areas with knowledge and tools to utilize digital financial services effectively.

By collaborating with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, technology providers, and local community leaders, GFPA aims to make financial services more accessible and easier to adopt in these regions. Awagah added, “We are considering even having a fintech roadshow that would take us from the southern belt to the northern belt so that we can engage.”

The GFPA roadshow aligns with the government’s broader agenda to achieve financial inclusion and reduce economic disparities between regions. As more people gain access to digital financial services, they can participate in the formal economy, which helps drive local growth, reduce poverty, and support long-term development.

The roadshow initiative also aligns with the mission of the Ghana Fintech Awards, which annually recognizes the country’s leading fintech innovators who are propelling economic growth and promoting digital transformation. Scheduled for March 1, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the Ghana Fintech Awards will shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations whose contributions to digital finance have been instrumental in supporting financial inclusion and Ghana’s economic goals.

This year, the Ghana Fintech Awards has opened nominations from October 25 to November 25, 2024, inviting industry participants and the general public to nominate outstanding fintech professionals and companies. Nominations can be made on the official website, www.ghanafintechawards.org, where more details on categories and submission guidelines are available. Cristina Swan-Awagah, Project Coordinator for the Ghana Fintech Awards, expressed the event’s commitment to recognizing those who have made substantial strides in advancing digital finance in Ghana.

“With the Ghana Fintech Awards, we aim to recognize the innovation and adaptability of fintech companies that are enabling convenient financial transactions and supporting the broader economy through digital transformation. We believe that celebrating these achievements is essential to accelerate Ghana’s journey toward economic growth and financial inclusion.”
Cristina Swan-Awagah

The Ghana Fintech Awards and the upcoming roadshow demonstrate the GFPA’s multi-faceted approach to achieving its mission. By recognizing and rewarding innovation in the fintech industry, the Awards highlight models that can inspire further development. Meanwhile, the roadshow’s grassroots outreach seeks to directly address the challenges faced by potential users in underserved regions, providing the education and resources necessary for effective adoption.

The GFPA’s efforts underscore a growing understanding that digital finance can play a transformative role in economic development. By ensuring that more Ghanaians have access to these services, the association hopes to empower individuals, create new economic opportunities, and establish a more inclusive financial landscape.