Absa Bank Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), has convened a high-level thought leadership forum aimed at exploring strategies to advance Ghana’s digital financial landscape through innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth.

Held under the theme “Digital Finance in Ghana: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion and Regulation,” the forum brought together key voices across the banking, fintech, and regulatory space to deliberate on how financial institutions can evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly digitising economy while safeguarding stability and access.

Delivering the keynote address, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, reinforced the regulator’s commitment to enabling the next phase of digital financial transformation.

“With over 24.2 million active mobile money accounts, growing fintech penetration, and sustained regulatory oversight, Ghana has built robust digital rails for payments and transfers.”

“The next phase of transformation requires a shift from access to value, from connectivity to capability. This is where industry-led strategies become indispensable to deepen engagement, unlock new value, and drive meaningful financial inclusion across every segment of society,” said Dr. Asiama.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, echoed the call for collective responsibility and emphasised the importance of industry accountability in the evolving digital space.

“As we advance digital finance in Ghana, the responsibility for safeguarding data and protecting customers cannot rest solely with regulators.

"Industry players must embrace self-regulation, prioritise consumer education, and commit to working collaboratively to ensure that innovation does not outpace trust. The journey may not be easy, but together we can arrive at the outcomes that truly serve all Ghanaians.”

Judith Hazel, Compliance Director at Absa Bank Ghana, also shared insights on the bank’s commitment to supporting underserved communities.

“Financial inclusion and innovation are very dear to our hearts, and this event allows us to collaborate with not just industry but with our regulators to look at how best we extend financial services to persons who do not have access.

"It is not just about extending digital services but looking at the safety, the reliability and the trust we can build, including efficiency in these services to those who need it.”

A presentation delivered by Dr. Kwame Oppong, Director of FinTech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, addressed the impact of emerging financial technologies, digital assets, and cryptocurrencies on banks and regulators.

His presentation explored the challenges and opportunities that digitalisation presents for the broader financial ecosystem and highlighted the need for adaptive, risk-sensitive regulatory frameworks.

The panel discussion that followed expanded on these themes, focusing on “The Digitalisation of Finance: Implications of Fintech Developments for Banks and Regulators.”

Panellists, drawn from commercial banks, fintech companies, and regulatory bodies, examined the disruptions and opportunities brought about by emerging technologies.