The Ghana Association of Bankers has kicked against the decision by the Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlements Systems (GhIPPS) to end fee waivers granted to customers who use the GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) and ACH Direct Credit to transact business.

In a letter signed by its CEO, Daniel K. Mensah and sighted by JoyBusiness, the Association said “…While we share in the expression of financial burden being borne by all actors in the financial services sector who have implemented various forms of concessions during the pendency of Covid- 19, we do not agree with any unilateral withdrawal of the waivers contrary to pronouncements made to the public.”

“Banks, as collecting agents for GhIPSS, have in reliance on the waiver, communicated to our clients that the waiver of fees on digital platforms and other alternative channels for banking will be in force throughout the pendency of the epidemic.”

The letter added, “Any unilateral withdrawal of the waivers by GhIPSS will be detrimental to the image and credibility of the banking sector. We are therefore by this letter calling for a meeting with GhIPSS and Governor of Bank of Ghana to urgently discuss this emerging development and will respectfully ask that until such meeting is held and firm decision taken, GhIPSS suspends the decision taken on the withdrawal of the waivers."

GhIPSS’ directive

The Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlements Systems (GhIPPS) on Tuesday directed financial institutions to end the fee waiver granted to customers who use the GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) and ACH Direct Credit to transact business.

“Following a review of financial position, we have decided we are unable to sustain the fee waiver regime any further and will re-instate all transaction fees with effect from May 23, 2020,” GhIPSS said in a statement.

Background

On March 19, the Central Bank announced some measures including the waiving of fees on some digital payment options including mobile money aimed at reducing cash transactions and boosting digital payments.
One of the key measures was that all mobile money users can send up to GH¢100 for free (excluding cash out).

This includes sending to a recipient on the same network, or another network via the interoperability platform. Also, all mobile phone subscribers are now permitted to use their already existing mobile phone registration details to be on-boarded for Minimum KYC Account.

This subsequently led to GhIPSS announcing a waiver of transaction fees across three platforms namely: GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), and ACH Direct Credit.