Over 25 shopping centres within the Accra and Tema area, have deployed gh-link hybrid Point of Sales (POS) terminals, implying that the public can use their local ATM cards to shop at these locations. This forms part of efforts to increase the use of non cash systems of payments as Ghana strides to migrate into a cash-lite economy.

Some of the key centres include the various branches of Shoprite, Evergreen Super Market in Tema, Palace, Airport Shell, Quick Pick, and major pharmaceutical companies such as East Cantonment Pharmacy as well as eateries such as Azmeraand grooming centres such as X-men among many others.

Customers of over 10 financial institutions can use their local AMT cards to shop on these POSes. The Poses also accept all e-zwich cards. They include Ghana Commercial Bank, UT Bank, Merchant Bank, Bank of Africa, Zenith Bank and Royal Bank. The rest are First National,Ezi Savings and Loans, ABII National Savings and Loans Company and E-tranzact. Several other financial institutions are at various stages of certification and their customers will also be able to enjoy the service.

The introduction of gh-link POSes means that shoppers can enter these centres and shops to purchase items without holding physical cash but by simply using their normal ATM cards, just as it happened in advanced countries.

Until the gh-link POSes were deployed only holders of international cards as well as e-zwich card could make payments via the terminals. However with a huge of the banking public having ATM cards, it is anticipated that shopping via cards instead of cash will become the norm particularly in shopping centres, pharmacies and super markets.

The Chief Executive of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), Archie Hesse said increasingly people are finding the use of electronic payment systems more appropriate and convenient. He cited the springing up of e-commerce websites and various mobile phone applications for online shopping as evidence of where payments is heading and urged stakeholders to align themselves to the changing trends.

Mr. Hesse said GhIPSS on its part will not relenting on its efforts to create a cash-lite economy. He said more POSes are being deployed each day to ensure that as many shopping outlets as possible have the terminals. He also urged shopping owners to approach their banks or come to GhIPSS, so can be assisted to acquire a POS.