Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has challenged government institutions, regulators, financial industry players and development partners to move beyond discussions and agree on practical measures to improve financial health in Ghana.
He said stronger collaboration was necessary to address barriers confronting households and businesses and ensure that financial services delivered meaningful and sustainable benefits.
Speaking at the Financial Health Leadership Roundtable at the Bank Square on Wednesday, November 4, Dr. Asiama urged participants to make the engagement action-oriented by identifying challenges and developing clear commitments.
“These questions require partnership across government, regulators, industry and development institutions. I therefore encourage an open and action-oriented discussion. Let us identify the barriers that need to be addressed and the concrete commitments that can move us forward,” he said.
The Governor said improving financial health required attention to several areas, including savings, insurance, pensions, investment opportunities and financial literacy.
He also highlighted the importance of productive and responsible credit, particularly in helping households invest in their futures and businesses secure the capital needed to grow.
Dr. Asiama noted that although Ghana had made considerable progress in expanding financial services through digital infrastructure, the focus must now include translating access into better financial outcomes.
He said the country’s financial sector had benefited from innovation, collaboration and investment in digital infrastructure over the past decade.
Ghana’s progress, he said, was supported by interoperable payment systems, mobile money, fintech innovation and a regulatory environment that had fostered growth and trust.
However, the Governor said persistent financing barriers facing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises remained an important concern.
He explained that technology, data and innovation could help broaden access to credit, reduce information asymmetries and create fairer financing opportunities for viable businesses.
The roundtable also examined ways to expand productive credit for MSMEs, women and smallholder farmers, while strengthening savings, insurance and long-term financial resilience.
Dr Asiama said the success of the meeting should be measured by the priorities and commitments that emerge from the discussions.
“If we leave this room with a clear set of priorities, this Roundtable will have achieved its purpose,” he said.
The meeting was held during the visit of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, who was in Ghana to advance the global financial health agenda.
