Ghana’s instant payment Chief, Archie Hesse steps down after almost 20 years

Archie Hesse is stepping down as CEO of Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS), effective July 1, 2025. His exit comes after nearly two decades at the same company.

GhIPSS, a subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), is responsible for driving the country’s digital payment infrastructure. It plays a central role in Ghana’s efforts to create a cash-lite economy by modernising payment systems.

Hesse joined GhIPSS in 2007 as General Manager in charge of Projects and Business Development. In this role, he spearheaded the implementation of foundational systems that have significantly shaped Ghana’s modern payment landscape.

Some of his early achievements include the National Biometric Smart Card Banking and Payment System (e-zwich), a cornerstone of government social grant payments. He was also instrumental in establishing the Cheque Codeline Clearing (CCC) System and Ghana Automated Clearing House (GACH) for efficient corporate payments and collections, and the National Switching and Processing System – gh-link, which underpins the national domestic EMV scheme.

One of Hesse’s most significant milestones was the 2015 launch of GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP). This system, similar to Nigeria’s NIBSS, revolutionized interbank payments in Ghana. It also paved the way for mobile money interoperability (MMI) in 2018. MMI allows for seamless transfer of funds between different mobile money wallets and bank accounts, fostering financial inclusion.

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In 2022, Hesse, in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Banks, championed the implementation of GhanaPay, a shared bank-wide mobile money platform. This vital tool supports banks in achieving their financial inclusion objectives, by providing a secure and efficient platform for digital transactions.

Beyond technological innovations, Hesse’s commitment to financial management has transformed GhIPSS from a subvented entity into a self-sustaining institution. Subvention is financial assistance provided to an organization, usually by a government. In GhIPSS’s case, it no longer needs financial assistance to operate.

The Board has appointed Mr. Kwadwo Ntim, General Manager for Operations and Technology, to serve as Acting CEO.

Hesse’s impact on Ghana’s payment ecosystem

Hesse’s departure marks the end of an era for GhIPSS and Ghana’s payment system. His leadership has been critical in driving the adoption of digital payments and promoting financial inclusion in Ghana. The GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP) platform, for instance, has become a central component of Ghana’s digital payment ecosystem.

His work has also supported the Bank of Ghana’s cash-lite agenda, which aims to reduce the reliance on physical cash in the economy and promote more efficient and transparent payment methods. For example, mobile money interoperability (MMI) and GhanaPay are two initiatives that promote the cash-lite agenda.

The Board, Management, and Staff of GhIPSS have expressed their gratitude to Hesse for his leadership and contributions to Ghana’s financial services industry.

Lead news source: Techfocus24