“GHANA’S PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND THE MOVE TOWARDS A CASHLESS ECONOMY”… GHANA INTERBANK PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEMS LTD. “INDUSTRY, COMPANY & PERSONALITY PROFILE”

As Ghana accelerates its journey toward a cashless economy, the nation’s payment system has undergone a remarkable transformation driven by digital innovation, regulatory foresight, and strategic collaboration.

At the heart of this evolution is the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), the national digital payments infrastructure provider established by the Bank of Ghana to build and manage secure, interoperable, and efficient payment systems.

Since its establishment, GhIPSS has been instrumental in modernizing Ghana’s financial ecosystem through groundbreaking platforms such as e-zwich, Cheque Codeine Clearing, Ghana Automated Clearing House, GhIPSS Instant Pay, Mobile Money Interoperability, the universal QR code payment system, GhQR and the GhanaPay Mobile Money platform. These innovations have not only improved transaction speed and convenience but have also significantly expanded financial inclusion.

Clara B. Arthur (CBA), a dynamic and strategic thinker serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the GhIPSS, is one of Africa’s most influential voices in fintech. With a career shaped by curiosity, discipline, and an unwavering passion for financial inclusion, Clara brings together strategic foresight and collaborative leadership to advance Ghana’s digital payments ecosystem. Her leadership is anchored in a bold vision—to reposition the organisation as an infrastructure-first platform provider that empowers innovation across the financial services landscape.

Clara envisions GhIPSS continuing to serve as the trusted national payments infrastructure that powers Ghana’s digital economy. By strengthening core platforms, enabling seamless interoperability, and fostering partnerships across the financial sector, she aims to deepen financial inclusion while positioning Ghana to participate more actively in the evolving regional digital payments ecosystem.

INDUSTRY FOCUS

TVA: Ghana’s payment and settlement industry has seen remarkable growth within the past two decades with Mobile money, fintech innovations, and regulatory reforms transforming how people and businesses transact.  What is your assessment of the evolution of Ghana’s payment and settlement systems in the last two decades?

CBA: Over the past two decades, Ghana’s payment and settlement systems have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a predominantly cash-based and paper-driven environment into a more digital, interoperable, and inclusive ecosystem. This progress has been driven by a combination of regulatory reforms, rapid mobile money adoption, and the emergence of innovative fintech solutions.

In the early 2000s, most financial transactions in Ghana were conducted using cash or manual processes such as cheques and over-the-counter banking services. Payment systems were relatively slow, fragmented, and limited in accessibility, particularly for individuals outside the formal banking sector. However, deliberate regulatory and infrastructure investments have steadily reshaped this landscape.

One of the most defining developments in this evolution has been the introduction and rapid expansion of mobile money. Since its introduction in 2009, mobile money has significantly expanded financial inclusion by providing millions of Ghanaians with access to basic financial services through their mobile phones.

Regulatory leadership has also played a crucial role in this transformation. The Bank of Ghana has provided an enabling policy and regulatory framework that has supported innovation while maintaining system stability. The passage of the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987), for example, strengthened the regulatory environment for digital financial services, fintechs, and electronic money issuers, while promoting competition and consumer protection.

Another important milestone has been the establishment of our company, the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), which was mandated to develop and implement interoperable payment platforms in partnership with the financial services industry.

In addition, the rapid growth of the fintech sector has introduced new products and services that improve the convenience and accessibility of digital payments. From QR-based merchant payments to digital lending and payment aggregation platforms, fintech companies have helped accelerate the shift toward a more modern and customer-centric payment ecosystem.

Overall, Ghana’s payment and settlement industry has evolved into one of the more advanced digital payment ecosystems in the region.

TVA: From your perspective, how effective has the transition from cash to digital payments been as the country pursues a cash-lite economy and, ultimately, a cashless future?

CBA: From my perspective, Ghana’s transition from a cash-dominated economy to a cash-lite system has been highly transformative and progressive. Over the past decade in particular, the country has made significant progress in shifting everyday transactions from physical cash to digital channels. This progress has largely been driven by the widespread adoption of mobile money, the rollout of interoperable payment infrastructure, and deliberate regulatory and policy direction from the Bank of Ghana.

One of the clearest indicators of this progress is the scale and growth of mobile money usage. Ghana today is recognized as having one of the most efficient and well-regulated mobile money ecosystems globally, frequently ranking highly on the GSMA Mobile Money Regulatory Index. Mobile money has become the backbone of retail payments, with transaction values reaching record levels. By December 2025, mobile money transactions exceeded GH¢518 billion, reflecting how deeply digital wallets have become embedded in everyday financial activity.

Another important milestone has been the success of interoperability. The introduction Ghana’s Instant payment solution and Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) enabled seamless transfers across different mobile networks and between mobile wallets and bank accounts, significantly improving convenience and accessibility.

However, while adoption in urban centres is strong, sustained efforts are required to deepen penetration in rural areas and among informal sector players. Financial literacy, trust, affordability of digital tools, and network reliability remain important focus areas.

Ghana’s journey toward a cash-lite economy has been remarkably effective. While a fully cashless economy may take time to achieve, the foundational infrastructure is already in place to support a digital-first payment ecosystem and continued innovation in the country’s financial services landscape.

TVA: In your view, what trends will define the payment and settlement systems in Ghana in the next five years?

CBA: In the next five years, Ghana’s payment landscape will be shaped by digital adoption, interoperability, and the use of emerging technologies to improve efficiency, security, and financial inclusion. The next phase of growth will build on the national payment infrastructure already in place, connecting banks, mobile money operators (EMIs), Fintechs, savings and loan companies, and emerging digital platforms into a more integrated financial ecosystem.

Real-time payments will increasingly become the standard expectation for individuals and businesses, improving efficiency across commerce and public services.

Cross-border payments will also become more important as national switches will begin to connect to each other. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are expected to support faster and lower-cost payments across African countries, helping businesses move funds across borders more easily and supporting regional trade.

Security will remain a key priority as digital transactions increase. Financial institutions and payment service providers are likely to invest more in technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect fraud and suspicious activity in real time. At the same time, transaction data generated across digital platforms will increasingly support smarter credit scoring, better risk management, and the development of tailored financial products that expand access to finance.

Another development to watch is the continued exploration of the eCedi, Ghana’s proposed Central Bank Digital Currency. If implemented, the eCedi could support faster and more secure payments and may include offline functionality to serve people in areas with limited internet connectivity. At the same time, digital assets such as cryptocurrencies are receiving increasing attention, especially following the introduction of regulatory guidelines that aim to provide clarity on their role within the financial system.

Finally, the ecosystem will likely become more API-driven and collaborative, with fintechs, banks, and payment service providers building new solutions on the national payment infrastructure. This approach will support innovation while strengthening the resilience and inclusiveness of the financial system.

COMPANY FOCUS

TVA: The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System is the National Digital Payments Infrastructure with the mandate to migrate Ghana to an electronic payments society. According to McKinsey’s 2023 report on Africa’s fintech industry, Kenya and Nigeria have made significant strides in digital payment adoption.  What strides have Ghana made since it embarked on its digital payment adoption journey? 

CBA: Ghana has made significant strides in building a strong and inclusive digital payments ecosystem. Over the past decade, the country has developed national payment infrastructure that enables secure, real-time, and interoperable transactions across the financial sector.

One of the early foundations of this journey was the introduction of e-zwich, Ghana’s biometric smart card payment system, which expanded access to secure electronic payments and supported government disbursements and financial inclusion initiatives. In addition, the Automated Clearing House (ACH) services, introduced by GhIPSS, modernised interbank payments by enabling electronic processing of transfers and cheques. With the introduction of ACH Direct Credit Near Real Time, institutions are now able to process bulk transfers of funds within approximately 15 minutes, significantly improving payment efficiency for bulk transactions such as salaries and corporate payments.

Ghana has also made major progress in interoperability. Through platforms such as Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) and GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), individuals and businesses can transfer funds seamlessly between bank accounts and mobile wallets in real time. These systems have helped connect banks, mobile money operators, and fintech platforms, reducing fragmentation across the payment ecosystem.

In addition, GhQR, Ghana’s universal QR code payment standard, allows customers to pay from bank apps, mobile money wallets, and fintech applications using a single QR code, supporting merchant digitisation. The gh-link, Ghana’s domestic card scheme, has also strengthened interoperability across ATMs and POS terminals within the banking sector and work is in progress to enable the gh-link card perform ecommerce and cross-border transactions.

Another important development has been the introduction of GhanaPay Mobile Money, a Ghana Association of Banks initiative powered by GhIPSS, which enables banks to offer mobile money services directly to customers and expands participation in the digital payments ecosystem.

Collectively, these initiatives have increased digital transaction volumes and expanded access to formal financial services for individuals and businesses. From the GhIPSS perspective, they represent important steps toward achieving the national goal of migrating Ghana to an electronic payments society.

TVA: What has been the impact of the introduction of electronic payment system to Ghana’s payment systems industry?

CBA: The introduction of electronic payment systems has had a significant impact on Ghana’s payment systems industry by improving efficiency, expanding financial inclusion, and modernizing how individuals, businesses, and government institutions transact.

One of the most important impacts has been the speed and efficiency of transactions. Electronic payment platforms such as GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), and Automated Clearing House (ACH) services have enabled faster movement of funds across banks and mobile money platforms.

Electronic payment systems have also played a key role in expanding financial inclusion. With the growth of mobile money and digital payment platforms, more Ghanaians—particularly those previously excluded from traditional banking—are now able to participate in the formal financial system.

Another major impact has been the integration and interoperability of the payment ecosystem. This has reduced fragmentation in the payment landscape and improved convenience for users.

Overall, the introduction of electronic payment systems has helped move Ghana closer to a cash-lite economy, while strengthening transparency, efficiency, and access to financial services across the country.

TVA: How would you evaluate the current rate of adoption of digital payment solutions among Ghanaians?

CBA: The adoption of digital payment solutions in Ghana has grown steadily, with mobile money and interoperable bank transfers becoming commonplace across the country. Many consumers and businesses now prefer digital options for everyday transactions, utility payments and person-to-person transfers. However, adoption is less pronounced in some rural communities due to digital literacy gaps, network limitations and entrenched cash habits. Overall, the trend shows increasing acceptance. With continuous customer education and simplified user experiences we will continue to accelerate usage and adoption.

TVA: Mindful of the high digital literacy gap in the country, what strategies is GhIPSS implementing to bridge the gap in other to enhance adoption of digital payment systems?  

CBA: Bridging the digital literacy gap is an important part of increasing adoption of digital payment systems. While the infrastructure for digital payments already exists, sustained adoption depends on ensuring that individuals and businesses understand how to use these services safely and confidently.

One key strategy is public education and awareness campaigns aimed at helping consumers understand how digital payments work and the benefits they offer. Through stakeholder engagements, media campaigns, and collaborations with financial institutions, GhIPSS supports initiatives that educate the public on how to use digital payment channels securely.

We also work closely with our partner institutions to support initiatives that help individuals and businesses understand how to accept and manage digital payments, making it easier for them to integrate these tools into their daily business operations.

When digital payment solutions are easy to understand and use, adoption increases naturally, even among users with limited digital literacy.

TVA: GhIPSS is a National Digital Payments Infrastructure provider in Ghana with a mandate to provide interoperability—allowing seamless transfers across banks and mobile money platforms. However, challenges such as infrastructure and technical issues, security and fraud, low adoption and digital literacy, partnership dynamics etc. still persist. What is your assessment of the interoperability of payment systems in Ghana?

CBA: Ghana has made significant progress in building an interoperable payment ecosystem and is often cited as one of the more advanced examples on the continent. Over the past decade, the country has moved from a fragmented environment, where banks and mobile money platforms operated largely in silos and through bilaterals to a more connected system that allows funds to move seamlessly across financial institutions and payment channels.

Through platforms such as GhIPSS Instant Pay and mobile money interoperability, customers today can move funds between bank accounts and mobile wallets in real time, which has significantly improved convenience and expanded access to digital financial services. In the card space, the National Switching and processing platform, gh-link also enabled interoperability.

That said, interoperability is not a destination but a continuous process. As the ecosystem grows, we must continue addressing challenges related to infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, consumer trust and digital literacy. Strengthening collaboration among banks, fintechs, mobile money operators and regulators will also remain essential.

The foundation is strong, but the next phase will focus on deepening adoption, enhancing system reliability and expanding the range of services that can run on the interoperable infrastructure.

TVA: How, as a nation, can we scale up interoperability to deepen financial inclusion?

CBA: To scale up interoperability and deepen financial inclusion, Ghana must treat interoperability as a national public good and focus not only on building infrastructure but also on driving adoption across the entire financial ecosystem.

TVA: GhIPSS has collaborated closely with banks and non-bank financial institutions to introduce various electronic payment channels to the public. What are some of the notable innovations that the company can pride itself with?

CBA: Several innovations have shaped Ghana’s digital payments ecosystem over the years, beginning with efforts to modernize traditional payment processes and gradually building a fully interoperable digital payments infrastructure.

One of the early milestones was the automation of cheque clearing. GhIPSS inherited the national cheque clearing function from the Bank of Ghana and introduced the Cheque Codeline Clearing (CCC) System with Cheque Truncation in 2009. This digitized the cheque clearing process by using cheque images and codeline data, eliminating the need for physical exchange of cheques between banks. As a result, cheque clearing cycles were reduced from 3–10 days to about 24 hours nationwide.

In 2011, GhIPSS expanded electronic clearing services with the introduction of the Ghana Automated Clearing House (GACH). This platform introduced Direct Credit and Direct Debit services for electronic interbank transfers, enabling efficient bulk payments such as salaries, pensions, and corporate payments. More recently, the ACH Direct Credit Near Real Time (NRT) enhancement allows batched payments to be processed within approximately 15 minutes, further improving efficiency.

To strengthen card interoperability, GhIPSS launched the gh-link switching and processing platform in 2012. The platform connects financial institutions across the country and supports transactions across ATMs, POS terminals, and e-commerce channels, creating a shared domestic card payment network.

In 2015, GhIPSS introduced GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), enabling real-time account-to-account transfers between banks on a 24/7 basis. This significantly improved the speed and convenience of digital payments.

A major breakthrough came in 2018 with the launch of Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), which enabled seamless transfers across mobile money networks as well as between mobile wallets, bank accounts, and the e-zwich biometric smart card platform. This integration created what became known as the Financial Inclusion Triangle, connecting banks, mobile money operators, and the ezwich platform.

In 2020, GhIPSS introduced GhQR, Ghana’s universal QR code payment system, which enables interoperable merchant payments across banks and mobile wallets. Finally, in 2022, GhIPSS collaborated with the Ghana Association of Banks to introduce GhanaPay Mobile Money, a bankwide mobile wallet platform that allows banks to offer mobile money services directly to customers.

Together, these innovations have built a robust and interoperable digital payments infrastructure that continues to support Ghana’s transition toward a more efficient and cash-lite economy.

TVA: What strategic innovations is GhIPSS focusing on to shape the future of Ghana’s digital payments ecosystem?

CBA: GhIPSS is focused on strengthening Ghana’s national payment infrastructure while driving strategic innovations that expand interoperability, enhance operational efficiency, and position the country for the next phase of digital transformation.

A key priority is ensuring that our platforms—particularly our instant payment platform, GhIPSS Instant Pay—continue to support payments digitisation and respond to emerging trends in the industry. As the payments landscape evolves, including developments such as the introduction of Digital Assets guidelines, we are also exploring how our infrastructure can support fintechs and other ecosystem players operating in this growing area of digital finance.

We are equally focused on aligning our technology with global payment standards to ensure that Ghana’s payment infrastructure remains modern and globally competitive. This includes expanding the capabilities of our domestic card scheme, gh-link, so that it goes beyond ATM and POS transactions.

Through strategic collaborations with international partners, we are working to enable gh-link cards to be used outside Ghana, increasing convenience for users and strengthening Ghana’s integration with the global payments ecosystem. Beyond domestic payments, GhIPSS is strengthening collaborations to enable cross-border payments, aligning with regional and continental initiatives aimed at facilitating faster and more affordable intra-African transactions. These partnerships are important in supporting trade and reducing reliance on traditional correspondent banking channels.

We are also investing in ecosystem development through a GhIPSS Innovation Hub initiative, which is being designed to build capacity, facilitate peer learning, and nurture the next generation of talent in the payments and fintech industry.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

TVA: You are one of the most influential leaders in Ghana’s payment industry, which led to being named among the Top 100 Women in Fintech in Africa. But beyond the boardroom, could you briefly describe who Mrs. Clara B. Arthur is? 

CBA: I am a digital financial services professional who is deeply curious about how systems work and passionate about contributing to meaningful change, particularly in advancing financial inclusion. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I see myself as someone who values family, continuous learning and service.

I enjoy bringing people together, whether through work or personal relationships, and I strongly believe in creating opportunities that allow others to grow and thrive. I am also passionate about mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that promote digital transformation and its positive impact on people’s lives.

I am married with two children.

TVA: Can you tell us about your childhood and how your upbringing influenced the woman and leader you are today?

CBA: I grew up in a home where education, discipline and hard work were strongly emphasised. My parents both began their careers as teachers, so learning was always central to our upbringing. Watching them dedicate themselves to their work and to the community instilled in us a sense of responsibility and purpose from an early age.

There were six of us growing up, and our parents constantly reminded us to focus on our education and give our best in whatever we pursued. My mother, in particular, demonstrated remarkable strength and leadership while managing both her professional responsibilities and several business ventures. Seeing that balance of discipline, resilience and service influenced how I approach leadership today.

TVA: We often hear that our early experiences shape who we become.  Growing up as a child, what is your fondest childhood memory? 

CBA: Growing up, my fondest memories are of watching my parents wake up each day with a strong sense of purpose and dedication to their work. Their dedication instilled in us a strong sense of responsibility and the desire to make a meaningful impact in whatever paths we chose. Our home was filled with laughter, joy and togetherness. So, ultimately, I grew up in a very happy home, and those early experiences continue to shape the way I approach life and my work today.

TVA: What has shaped the person behind the impressive titles and accolades? 

CBA: What has influenced me most as a woman and a leader is my mother. She is now 85 years old, but she remains a strong source of inspiration in my life. She served as the principal of the first female training college in Tamale, and growing up, watching her lead and guide young women left a lasting impression on me. I remember seeing her stand before students during assemblies or interacting with them in her office, speaking with confidence and purpose. Being around those moments from an early age shaped me in many ways and helped me overcome any sense of stage fright, because I saw leadership and public engagement modelled so naturally at home.

My mother’s influence also came through the way she raised her family. She had six children, and I am the fourth, yet she ensured that each of us grew up to be independent, confident and strong. Beyond our immediate family, she was also a pillar within her extended family. She came from a large family and was often the one who supported and uplifted many of her siblings and their children. Her generosity, strength and sense of responsibility made a deep impression on me.

Seeing how she led, cared for others and uplifted those around her continues to guide how I approach leadership today. It inspired in me the desire to use whatever opportunities or resources I have to make a positive difference. I believe that when each of us contributes in our own small way to improving our surroundings, the collective impact can bring about meaningful change in the world. For me, that drive comes naturally because I grew up in a home where leadership meant service, and where my mother always ensured that everyone around her was carried along.

TVA: Armed with a BA in Law and History from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and an MSc in Finance and Administration from University of West London, what inspired you to pursue a career in fintech? 

CBA: Interestingly, I did not set out intentionally to build a career in fintech. My entry into the payments space started with curiosity. I remember passing by an ATM machine one day and becoming fascinated by how the system worked and how money could be accessed electronically. That curiosity led me to learn more about payment systems and the infrastructure that supports them.

Over time, that interest grew into a genuine passion for understanding financial systems and how technology can make financial services more efficient and accessible. What began as simple curiosity eventually shaped the direction of my career.

TVA: Commenting on your appointment, you said “I am honoured to step into this role at this pivotal time. It is more of a return for me…” Assuming the position as the CEO of GhIPSS, what is your long-term vision for the company over the next 4 to 5 years, and how do you plan to achieve it?

CBA: Over the next four to five years, my focus is to work with the team at GhIPSS to reposition the organisation as an infrastructure-first platform provider that supports innovation across the financial ecosystem while ensuring sustainable growth.

A key priority will be modernising our infrastructure, including migrating our messaging standards to ISO 20022, strengthening operational efficiency and building a strong pool of talent within the organisation. We will also continue to deepen interoperability and expand the range of services that can run on the GhIPSS infrastructure so that banks, fintechs and other financial institutions can develop innovative products and services for consumers and businesses.

Another important area is cross-border payments. We are increasingly exploring collaboration with other national switch operators across Africa to create stronger connections between payment infrastructures. By working with regional partners, we are looking to facilitate more efficient and seamless cross-border transactions within the continent.

We will also continue to prioritise system security, resilience and regulatory collaboration to maintain trust in the ecosystem. Ultimately, my goal is for GhIPSS to remain the trusted national infrastructure that powers Ghana’s digital payments landscape while enabling innovation, supporting financial inclusion and positioning Ghana to participate more actively in the regional digital payments ecosystem.

TVA: How do you intend to balance global payment system expansion with maintaining local market relevance?

CBA: Balancing global best practices with local relevance is essential. While we closely observe developments in global payment systems and adopt international standards where appropriate, we are always mindful that solutions must work within the realities of the Ghanaian market.

For example, adopting standards such as ISO 20022 ensures that our infrastructure aligns with global developments, but the services built on that infrastructure must still respond to the needs of local users. At the same time, we are exploring opportunities to collaborate with other payment switches across Africa to facilitate more efficient cross-border payments.

The objective is to ensure that Ghana’s payment infrastructure remains globally compatible while continuing to serve the needs of individuals and businesses locally.

TVA: Standing as a beacon of innovation, steering the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) into a new era of financial inclusion and technological prowess, how would you ensure the company stays ahead in innovation while managing operational risks?

CBA: Innovation and stability must go hand in hand in the payments industry. At GhIPSS, our approach is to maintain strong governance, robust infrastructure and strict security standards while creating room for innovation within the ecosystem.

By providing reliable payment rails, we enable banks, fintechs and other partners to build new solutions for consumers and businesses. At the same time, we continuously invest in system resilience, cybersecurity and operational processes to ensure the infrastructure remains stable and secure.

TVA: Having honed your skills in various leadership positions and now, at the ultimate position as, the Chief Executive Officer, how would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over your career?

CBA: My leadership style is a blend of transformational and participatory approaches. I believe in empowering teams, encouraging open dialogue and ensuring that people feel comfortable sharing ideas and perspectives. At the same time, leadership sometimes requires making firm decisions when the direction of the organisation is at stake.

Over the years, my approach has evolved to focus more on building strong teams, trusting people to do their work and creating an environment where individuals can perform at their best without unnecessary micromanagement.

TVA: What’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned from working across different portfolios?

CBA: One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of having honest and sometimes difficult conversations. Leadership requires clarity, accountability and fairness. Treating people with respect, being transparent about expectations and giving your best whenever you are entrusted with responsibility are principles that have guided me throughout my career.

TVA: You have become a trailblazer in Ghana’s fintech industry. How do you balance your personal and professional life, especially considering the high demands of being a CEO?

CBA: Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life requires intentional effort. For me, spending time with family plays an important role in maintaining that balance. I enjoy cooking, hosting and creating moments where family and friends can come together.

Activities such as reading or travelling also provide opportunities to step away from the pace of work and recharge. These moments allow me to reconnect with myself and maintain the energy needed to lead effectively.

TVA: Beyond work, what does Clara B. Arthur do for a hobby; how do you unwind and reconnect with yourself?

CBA: When people see me at work, they probably would not imagine that one of the things I enjoy most is being in my kitchen. I truly love to cook, and I always say I am a very good cook. In fact, my children will tell you that I make the best pasta. Cooking is one of the ways I unwind and reconnect with my family. Whenever I have the time, I enjoy preparing meals for my children, my husband and loved ones. I also love hosting. Bringing people together, organising family gatherings and creating a warm atmosphere for everyone to enjoy is something that gives me a lot of joy.

Another passion of mine is travelling. I enjoy visiting new places and experiencing destinations I have never been to before. The excitement of exploring somewhere for the first time is always something I look forward to.

I also love reading, especially fiction. Books allow me to transport myself into completely different worlds. Growing up, I read many novels by authors such as John Grisham, Lee Child and Jeffrey Archer, as well as some romantic fiction. Those stories sparked our imaginations and were part of many fun memories with friends.

My childhood in Accra was very communal, and much of our time was spent with neighbours and friends after school. We formed small reading groups where we shared and discussed the books we loved, from romantic novels to glamorous stories that captured our imaginations. Even today, I still appreciate that sense of creativity and escapism that books bring. I also enjoy taking time to present myself well and feel confident whenever I step out. These simple things, cooking, hosting, travelling, reading, and spending time with loved ones, are what truly bring me joy and help me recharge beyond the demands of work.

TVA: With the benefit of hindsight, if you had the opportunity to right a wrong, what would it be? And how differently would you have approached it?

CBA: I am often asked whether there is anything in my life I would go back and change if I had the opportunity. My answer is usually no, because I see every experience, whether good or challenging, as part of the journey that shapes who we become. Everything I have gone through has taught me something valuable, and those lessons have contributed to my growth both personally and professionally.

Perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, there may have been a particular career decision and the timing of it that I might have approached differently. However, even that experience became an opportunity to learn and to grow. Rather than focusing on regret, my mindset has always been about how to correct or improve a situation if something does not go as planned. I believe strongly in taking responsibility, learning from the experience and finding ways to make things better.

That philosophy has guided me throughout my life. Even when circumstances are difficult or when mistakes occur, I see them as opportunities to gain insight and move forward with greater wisdom. For me, the most important thing is not avoiding mistakes altogether but ensuring that you learn from them and use those lessons to improve both yourself and the outcomes you pursue.

TVA: What is your favorite delicacy and wine?

CBA: When it comes to my favourite indulgence, I would certainly say a good glass of wine. I have developed quite an appreciation for red wine over the years, especially a good Amarone. Recently, however, I have also grown fond of lighter options such as Blanc and rosé, particularly on a sunny day when a chilled glass feels just right. Enjoying a good glass of wine has become one of those simple pleasures that I truly appreciate.

If you were to ask me what food I could never live without, it would definitely be bread. People often find that surprising, but I genuinely love bread in almost any form. For me, it is a delicacy in its own way. More recently, I have also developed a taste for well-prepared grilled octopus. A nicely grilled octopus paired with a refreshing glass of rosé has quickly become one of my favourite choices when dining out. These little indulgences are things I genuinely enjoy and look forward to.

TVA: What’s your favorite genre of music?

CBA: When it comes to music, I have always been a huge fan of R&B, particularly the classic sounds from the 1990s. I was born at a time when R&Bs were a thing, so you can imagine that many of my formative years were filled with that era of music. Those songs formed the soundtrack of our youth, especially during our school days. Artists like Brian McKnight, Joe and groups such as Next were always favourites of mine. The smooth melodies and soulful lyrics of 90s R&B still resonate with me today. It remains my favourite genre and something I can listen to any day, as it brings back many fond memories of that time.

TVA: When you draw the curtain over GhIPSS, what legacy would you want to be remembered for?

CBA: When I eventually draw the curtains on my time at GhIPSS, the legacy I would want to leave behind is quite simple. I would like to be remembered as the leader who ensured that GhIPSS truly delivered on its mandate as an enabler within Ghana’s financial ecosystem. My vision is for GhIPSS to continue driving innovation within the payments space and strengthening the role it plays in supporting the broader financial services industry.

TVA: If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of global leaders, what would it be?  

CBA: My advice would be to remain curious and committed to continuous learning. Many opportunities begin with simple curiosity and the willingness to explore new ideas.

At the same time, it is important to approach leadership with a sense of responsibility and service. When you focus on contributing positively to the people and systems around you, the impact of your work extends far beyond personal success.