MTN Ghana MoMo month celebration marks 15 years of operation
By Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra
MTN Ghana has launched its MoMo month celebrations, marking 15 years since the introduction of its mobile financial service, MoMo.
The ceremony, held simultaneously in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, with subsequent events planned for Ho and Tamale, aims to express gratitude to users for their support over the years.
The theme for the celebration is ‘Empowering Communities, Celebrating 15 Years of Progressive Financial and Digital Inclusion.’
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mobile Money Limited MTN Ghana, Shaibu Haruna stated the transformative impact of mobile money on Ghana’s financial landscape.
He mentioned that when MTN started its journey 15 years ago, the landscape of financial services in Ghana was vastly different.
He noted that many Ghanaians, especially in rural and underserved areas, faced significant challenges accessing basic financial services
The CEO indicated that the advent of mobile money aimed to bridge the gap by bringing financial services to the fingertips of Ghanaians through mobile technology.
He said Mobile money is more than just a service, and a platform that has empowered individuals, transformed businesses, and strengthened their communities
“The service has enabled small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive, facilitated access to education, healthcare, and essential services, and bridged gaps in government services” he explained.
The CEO credited the success to the visionaries who initiated the service and the key stakeholders within the ecosystem, including the central bank and bank partners, who played crucial roles in supporting and integrating mobile money services.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry and noted the need for continuous efforts to bridge gaps and drive mobile financial services within Ghana.
“Fraud has become a very topical issue. Anywhere there’s money, there’s a temptation for fraud. We always tell our customers they are the first and last line of defense. Most fraud issues we see are socially engineered” he stressed.
He urged customers to protect their PINs, avoid clicking on unsolicited links, and be wary of suspicious SMS messages or phone calls.
“If you are in doubt, reach us on 100, and our agents will be more than happy to support you,” he advised.
The CEO expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who have contributed to the service’s success, stating the need for continuous vigilance and innovation to overcome challenges and further enhance financial inclusion in Ghana.
The Senior Manager Sales Executive at MTN Ghana, Samuel Appiah said the launch event served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of Mobile Money, which has become a household name and the preferred option for various financial transactions.
He stated that Momo in many ways reflects the changing landscape of driving financial inclusion and the cashless society agenda through the burgeoning fintech industry
Samuel Appiah reflected on the company’s journey, acknowledging the challenges faced by startups globally and comparing MTN Ghana’s relatively young history to businesses with nearly a century of existence.
He noted the service’s growth mirrored the challenges and progress within the industry, but most importantly, it showcased the transformative impact of technology on financial transactions in Ghana.
He added that the celebrations will continue throughout the year, recognizing the contributions of various stakeholders and charting a course for the future of mobile financial services in the country. He explained that MTN Ghana looks to the future, the company remains committed to leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion and drive the cashless society agenda in Ghana
