Fintech Titans Salute Archie Hesse as “Architect” and “Icon” of Ghana’s Digital Finance Revolution

As Archie Hesse steps down after 18 remarkable years at the helm of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), leaders across Ghana’s financial and digital sectors are acknowledging his transformative impact, among them, the CEOs of MTN MobileMoney Limited and AT Ghana, who offered some of the most powerful commendations.

Both leaders describe Hesse not just as a public servant, but as a transformative figure who redefined Ghana’s financial services landscape, leaving a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and digital trust that now powers millions of daily transactions across the country.

“He Didn’t Just Build Systems He Built Access and Opportunity” – MTN MoMo CEO

Shaibu Haruna, CEO of MobileMoney Limited (MTN MoMo), hailed Hesse as “the Architect of Ghana’s Digital Financial Revolution,” praising his leadership in building the interoperable digital financial space Ghanaians now enjoy.

“His tenure has been nothing short of transformative, etching his name indelibly onto the landscape of Ghana’s financial ecosystem,You didn’t just build systems; you built confidence, accessibility, and opportunity for millions.” Haruna said in a tribute.

Haruna spotlighted Hesse’s role in pioneering mobile money interoperability (MMI), the Ghana Instant Pay (GIP) platform, GhanaPay, e-zwich, and GHQR, describing these systems as game-changers in closing the financial inclusion gap.

“It wasn’t just a technical achievement. It was a monumental leap in financial inclusion, bringing millions of unbanked and underbanked Ghanaians into the formal financial system.” Haruna added.

“A True Digital Finance Icon” – AT Ghana CEO

Echoing similar sentiments, Leo Skarlatos, CEO of AT Ghana, described Hesse as “a true digital finance icon” whose institutional and transformational legacy has set the gold standard for national payment infrastructure.

“Under his leadership, GhIPSS became synonymous with innovation, inclusivity, and digital trust, pillars that now form the foundation of modern financial services in Ghana,” Skarlatos noted.

He praised Hesse for creating an environment where Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) and fintechs like AT Money could thrive on a level playing field. “His belief that every Ghanaian deserves a place in the formal financial ecosystem helped shape our journey as a mobile financial services provider.”

From Back-End Processor to Economic Catalyst

Both CEOs emphasized how Hesse’s leadership transformed GhIPSS from a back-office utility into the digital heartbeat of Ghana’s economy. By leading collaborations with banks, telcos, regulators, and startups, Hesse turned abstract concepts like interoperability and instant payments into daily realities.

“He was a bridge between banks and fintechs, between tradition and transformation always urging us to look ahead, to do more, and to do better for the people of Ghana.” Skarlatos summed it up.

The End of an Era, the Rise of a Legacy

Archie Hesse’s departure on July 1, 2025 symbolically on Republic Day marks more than just a retirement. It closes a foundational chapter in Ghana’s fintech journey and sets the stage for new innovation built on the rails he constructed.

“Though he leaves office, his fingerprints remain indelibly stamped on every transaction that passes through Ghana’s payment rails today,” said Skarlatos.

As Ghana continues to push toward a fully digitized economy, industry leaders agree: the country’s leap forward would not have been possible without Archie Hesse’s vision, humility, and resolve.

“We salute you, Mr. Archie Hesse a true digital finance icon,” Skarlatos concluded.

SOURCE: TECHFOCUS24

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