The Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana has strongly condemned the recent spate of violent attacks against mobile money agents, calling for urgent intervention to protect their lives and livelihoods. The Chamber extended its condolences to the families of agents who have been killed in these incidents, emphasizing that their role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem is invaluable and must be safeguarded.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating attacks, the Chamber has called on the President, the Interior and Finance Ministers, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to take immediate action. They urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
As part of its response, the EMIs Chamber is engaging with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to explore effective security solutions. Additionally, discussions will be held with the Bank of Ghana to strengthen the Agent Registry and implement security measures to enhance the safety of mobile money agents.
The Chamber also debunked the misconception that mobile money agents carry large amounts of cash, warning that such misinformation makes them easy targets for criminals. They stressed that mobile money transactions are predominantly digital, with minimal cash handling.
To mitigate risks, the Chamber advised agents to adopt precautionary measures, including closing their shops early, avoiding carrying large sums of cash, installing CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and maintaining close contact with local police stations.
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, security agencies, and stakeholders to address these security threats. It urged swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of mobile money agents, who play a critical role in Ghana’s digital financial transformation.
Zimbabwean Internet Service Provider (ISP) Dandemutande is planning to build a USD 15 million data centre in the country. The company made the commitment under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect programme, which was revealed on Tuesday, February 18, via a post on X.
The technical capabilities of the data center have not been specified, but it is confirmed that it will be Tier 3. This standard guarantees a redundant infrastructure with multiple paths for power supply and cooling, thus limiting theoretical downtime to just 1.6 hours per year. In addition, the data center will be carrier-neutral, meaning that different providers will be able to host their infrastructure there without restriction.
“The data centre will provide high-quality, reliable and scalable services in the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region , creating jobs and economic activity, while contributing to the local tax base. It will target underserved segments such as small businesses, content providers, financial institutions, government agencies and healthcare providers,” the ITU explains on its website.
Dandemutande has committed to completing the data centre by 1 June 2026. The facility is expected to boost the ISP’s capacity to “meet the growing demand for data services driven by digital transformation and economic growth”. The ITU estimates internet penetration in Zimbabwe, where the population was 16.3 million in 2023, at 32.6%, according to the World Bank. In this segment, the company faces competition from telecom operators (TelOne, Econet, NetOne and Telecel) and satellite internet service provider Starlink.
In addition to strengthening its telecom infrastructure, Dandemutande is positioning itself in the fast-growing data center market. According to data portal Statista, the data center market revenue in Southern Africa is expected to reach USD 1.42 billion in 2025. This figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.14% over the period 2025-2029 to reach USD 1.73 billion.
Accra, Ghana – The leadership of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group Ghana (MOMAG) has paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana to discuss opportunities for collaboration and strategies to enhance the growth and sustainability of the mobile money ecosystem.
The visit, which took place in Accra, focused on the evolving landscape of mobile money operations, the need for innovation, and the importance of strengthening partnerships to drive Ghana’s digital financial agenda. The EMIs Chamber pledged its full support to MOMAG as the association works to achieve its objectives and adapt to the changing dynamics of the mobile money industry.
A Changing Industry Requires Innovation
During the meeting, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, emphasized the need for mobile money agents and their association to evolve with the times. He noted that the world of mobile money is rapidly changing, driven by advancements in financial technology and shifting consumer expectations.
“The role of mobile money agents is expanding beyond traditional cash-in and cash-out services,” Dr. Ashigbey stated. “To stay relevant, agents must position themselves to offer additional products such as insurance, pensions, and mortgages.”
The leadership of MOMAG, led by its President Edward Ofori Agyemang, outlined its plans for the year as well as earmarked activities for the rest of the year and beyond. He also stated that MOMAg is ready to work with key institutions to train its agents in the distribution of financial products among others.
Key Highlights from The Meeting
Financial Literacy and Capacity Building: MOMAG announced plans to among other things hold a financial literacy workshop on later this year, to equip members with essential skills in financial planning, auditing, and cybersecurity protection.
Expanding Services for Agents: Discussions centered on empowering agents to sell a broader range of financial products, including mortgages, insurance packages, and pension plans.
Tackling Fraud and Security Concerns: Fraud prevention emerged as a major concern, with MOMAG and the EMIs Chamber agreeing to work with relevant stakeholders such as the Ghana Police Service to raise awareness about fraud amongst their customers and the agent populations across the country.
Commitment to Collaboration
The EMIs Chamber commended MOMAG for its proactive efforts and reiterated its commitment to supporting the association’s growth.
“The mobile money industry has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s financial inclusion drive,” said Dr. Ashigbey. “As MOMAG continues to empower its members, we stand ready to collaborate and provide the necessary support to build a more resilient and inclusive ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on a roadmap for joint activities and initiatives. The EMIs Chamber pledged to assist MOMAG in its efforts to implement industry best practices, improve agent welfare, and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
With mobile money continuing to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s digital financial landscape, the collaboration between MOMAG and the EMIs Chamber is expected to unlock new growth opportunities while enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction across the sector.
Ghana has emerged as the leading country in the world when it comes to countries with regulatory frameworks that enable widespread mobile money adoption.
This was contained in the 2024 Mobile Money Regulatory Index (MMRI) by the GSMA, which is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem. Ghana beat 89 other countries including the likes of Brazil, Mexico, Rwanda, and Qatar to claim the top spot with a leading Index Score of “95.06” points. The other countries that rounded up the top were Rwanda (95 points), Qatar (94.21 points), Malawi (93.88 points)and El Salvador (93.75 points).
(The top 10 countries. Source: GSMA)
The breakdown
The Mobile Money Regulatory Index (MMRI) which has 6 broad dimensions, is further broken down into 40 indicators which are scored according to relevant criteria assessment. While Ghana scored a perfect 100 points in 3 of the 6 dimensions, including “Transparency and Disclosure Requirements”, “Authorisation” and “Consumer Protection”, it recorded a low figure of 83.75 points under the “PolicyEnablement” dimension due to its poor performance under the “Taxation (0 points)” indicator.
(Source: GSMA)
Impact of the E-Levy
A further interrogation of the data showed that the presence of discriminatory taxation (mobile-specific taxes) imposed on mobile money services in Ghana impacted the score recorded under the “Taxation (0 points)” indicator. The absence of the E-Levy and any other discriminatory taxes on mobile money would have led to Ghana being awarded 100 points which would have seen the country’s world-leading score of 95.06 points rise further.
The Index
According to the GSMA, the Mobile Money Regulatory Index was first developed in 2018 to provide a non-binary and objective assessment of the extent to which regulatory frameworks enable mobile money services to thrive. Until 2021, the index was comprised of 28 indicators clustered in six dimensions, with each indicator scored based on both qualitative and quantitative scoring metrics.
Ultimate FM’s Ivan Heathcote-Fumador Tops Winners Of Inaugural TIMEA Awards Initiative
Ivan Heathcote-Fumador, a rising journalist with Ultimate FM of the EIB network, has emerged the overall winner at the inaugural Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) event held in Accra.
The awards ceremony, established by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, seeks to recognize and reward journalists telling industry-related news stories that highlight key industry issues, technological deployment, ICT investment, as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) undertakings, among others.
Mr. Heathcote-Fumador was adjudged winner in the Broadcast sub-category under the EMIs category of the awards. He was joined by Suleiman Mustapha of the Graphic Communications Group Limited who took home the honors for the Print and Online sub-category under the MNOs and OEMs category of the awards. Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey from the EIB Network, rounded up the three winners on the night, taking home the award for the Print and Online sub-category under the EMIs category of the awards.
All three winners received a brand new laptop, each, along with a citation certificate congratulating them for their achievement.
Held on Friday, December 13th, 2024, the new awards initiative was attended by leadership from across the membership of both the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, editors and senior journalists from the leading media houses in Ghana as well as friends and family of the awardees.
The Winners
Ivan Heathcote – Fumador
Ivan is a solutions and impact driven journalist with over a decade experience. His interest cuts across disability and gender equality; politics and governance; climate change and sustainable development; the green and digital economy as well as business and finance reporting with a priority for young start ups. He works with Ultimate FM of the EIB Network. He is visually impaired but certainly not vision impaired.
Suleiman Mustapha
Suleiman is the Special Correspondent at the Graphic Communications Group Limited. He has won several awards in his career as a journalist including the 2018 GJA Business and Financial Journalist of year.
He is an investigative journalist with special focus on Economics, Business and Finance. He is the President of the Journalists For Business Advocacy (JBA)
Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey
Rosemond is a business journalist driven by the pursuit of truth. She is dedicated to uncovering stories that challenge power and amplify marginalized voices. With a deep passion for agriculture, economics, fintech, and energy reporting, she navigates complex issues to bring clarity and context to her audience. Her work aims to inform, inspire change, and hold the powerful accountable.
About the Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards
The Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) was established by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana to encourage greater media interest in the telecommunications and digital finance industries. The awards aim to recognize and reward journalists who contribute to the development of these sectors through insightful stories and reports. This initiative highlights the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of industry trends, innovations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Award Categories
The awards cover multiple segments, including:
MNOs & OEMs
Broadcast (TV & Radio)
Print and Online
Infrastructure Companies & Tower Companies
Broadcast (TV & Radio)
Print and Online
EMIs
Broadcast (TV & Radio)
Print and Online
Each category focuses on recognizing excellence in industry-related reporting across various media platforms.
Eligibility
Open to journalists affiliated with recognized media houses.
Recognized independent journalists are also eligible to participate.
Awards Ceremony
The TIMEA awards will be held annually, with the condition that awards will only be presented if suitable candidates meet the criteria for excellence. This ensures the integrity and credibility of the award process.
The scheme underscores the media’s vital role in driving awareness and engagement within Ghana’s telecommunications and digital finance ecosystems.
Accra, Ghana – The EMIs Chamber of Ghana has assured the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of their commitment to increased collaboration, to help boost the investor base in the securities market.
This was made known during a courtesy call by the leadership of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana on the SEC. The meeting allowed for the new Chamber to share its goals and objectives with Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh and his leadership team.
This courtesy call follows similar ones to the National Insurance Commission, the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation and the Ghana Association of Banks.
On his part the Director-General of the SEC, Rev. Ogbarmey Tetteh, welcomed the team and expressed hope of increased collaboration with the EMIs Chamber to bring more people into the securities market. He went on to share details of the Ghana Capital Market Master Plan, focusing on four pillars: improving product diversity, market liquidity, investor base, market infrastructure, and investor confidence. He also touched on an initiative by the SEC called the FinTech forum which would help deepen the securities market and leverage various sectors.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, Ing. Dr, Kenneth Ashigbey, who was accompanied by representatives from AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited and Telecel Cash, emphasized the need for partnerships to ensure the securities market is accessible to the general public.
While discussing the many opportunities and challenges within the securities market space, the two teams agreed on the need for capacity building and the development of relevant guidelines to enable the SEC regulate the growing cryptocurrency space in coloration with other relevant institutions.
During the courtesy call, representatives of the two outfits held fruitful discussions on matters ranging from increased collaboration to deal with fraud in the space as well as the need for increased consumer education, among others.
Ing. Ashigbey used the opportunity to invite the leadership of the SEC to the launch of the EMIs Chamber on Thursday October 3, 2024.
About the EMIs Chamber of Ghana
The Chamber was officially registered on March 26, 2024, with a vision to become the leading catalyst for inclusive and innovative digital finance in Ghana. The Chamber’s mission meanwhile, is to foster innovation, enhance regulatory collaboration, and support the growth and sustainability of the digital finance sector.
By representing the unified voice of Ghana’s digital finance ecosystem, the Chamber aims to create a thriving and inclusive financial landscape that benefits all Ghanaians.
Membership
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana proudly represents leading digital finance entities, including AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay Mobile Money.
Goals and Objectives
The EMIs Chamber aims to:
Foster Innovation: By encouraging the development and adoption of new technologies and solutions that enhance the efficiency and reach of digital finance services.
Enhance Regulatory Collaboration: Working closely with government agencies, regulators, and other stakeholders to create a favorable operating environment for digital finance operators.
Support Growth and Sustainability: Advocating for policies and practices that ensure the long-term success and stability of the digital finance sector.
Promote Financial Inclusion: Facilitating partnerships and collaborations among different mobile money operators to extend financial services to underserved and unbanked populations in Ghana.
Leadership of the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana has paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB). This forms part of a familiarization exercise being undertaken by the new institution, which represents the interests of the leading Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMIs) in Ghana, namely AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash and Zeepay.
During the courtesy call, representatives of the two outfits held fruitful discussions on matters ranging from increased collaboration amongst mobile money operators, banks, and telecommunication companies, to address systemic issues like fraud, customer data security, and operational efficiencies.
Leading the delegation from the EMIs Chamber of Ghana was the Chairman of the Chamber, Philip Amoateng, Director of Telecel Cash along with Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EMIs Chamber, along with leading representatives from MML, Telecel Cash, and G-Money.
The team from the GAB was meanwhile led by its CEO, Mr. John Awuah.
So far, similar visits have been undertaken by the EMIs Chamber to the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation (GDPC) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC), with more being planned in the coming weeks.
About the EMIs Chamber of Ghana
The Chamber was officially registered on March 26, 2024, with a vision to become the leading catalyst for inclusive and innovative digital finance in Ghana. The Chamber’s mission meanwhile, is to foster innovation, enhance regulatory collaboration, and support the growth and sustainability of the digital finance sector.
By representing the unified voice of Ghana’s digital finance ecosystem, the Chamber aims to create a thriving and inclusive financial landscape that benefits all Ghanaians.
Membership
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana proudly represents leading digital finance entities, including AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay.
Goals and Objectives
The EMIs Chamber aims to:
Foster Innovation: By encouraging the development and adoption of new technologies and solutions that enhance the efficiency and reach of digital finance services.
Enhance Regulatory Collaboration: Working closely with government agencies, regulators, and other stakeholders to create a favorable operating environment for digital finance operators.
Support Growth and Sustainability: Advocating for policies and practices that ensure the long-term success and stability of the digital finance sector.
Promote Financial Inclusion: Facilitating partnerships and collaborations among different mobile money operators to extend financial services to underserved and unbanked populations in Ghana.
