As Archie Hesse bows out as CEO of Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlements Systems (GhIPSS), players in the financial technology (fintech) space have paid glowing tributes to him for being what they describe as a bullwark of the industry who will be missed for his visionary leadership, which has created a legacy of transformation, collaboration and inclusion.
Archie Hesse served at GhIPSS, an agency of the Bank of Ghana (BoG, for 18 years, out of which he was CEO for 13 years. Over the period, he championed very impactful innovations such as e-zwich, gh-link, mobile money interoperability, GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), GhanaPay wallet, GhQR and several others which have transformed how Ghanaians transact today.
Per its name, GhIPSS was originally set up to facilitate interoperability between banks. But over time it became more of a facilitator of interoperability between financial technology players. As of 2023, Archie Hesse told Techfocus24 that over 65% of transactions on its platform was real-time, which was an indication that the work of GhIPSS has become predominantly fintech.
As a result the industry saw Archie as a man who was committed to technology for good, and as such his commitment to ensuring the success of fintech innovation was unquestionable.
His own colleague and Head of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, Kwame Oppong said “Archie has been a bulwark of digital public infrastructure in the payment space in Ghana. His legacy is indelible.”
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GFPA
Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, Martin Kwame Awagah noted that Archie is more than a pioneering leader who transformed Ghana’s payment interoperability and systems, saying that his commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence has advanced the national and continental drive towards interoperable systems.
“Personally, he’s also a mentor who has shaped my journey as a digital economist and FinTech leader and he has inspired so many of us to aim higher and think bigger. Through his guidance, encouragement, and example, I have learned that leadership is as much about vision as it is about integrity and service,” he stated.
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IT Consortium
On his part, CEO and Co-Founder of IT Consortium, Romeo Bugyei noted that Archie has been a pivotal figure in Ghana’s journey toward a fully digitized and inclusive financial system, having led GhIPSS with foresight, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to modernizing Ghana’s payment infrastructure for the benefit of all.
“Mr. Hesse has been a strong supporter of the fintech ecosystem, consistently encouraging open dialogue and meaningful collaboration with both institutions and individual players. His door has always been open, and even in moments of disagreement, he remained welcoming, respectful, and professional in all his dealings,” he said.
According to him, the many occasions spent in his office discussing the future of payments and emerging technologies helped shape critical pathways for innovation and growth in the industry.
Through Archie’s leadership, he said, industry players were challenged to aim higher and do more—not only for their individual organizations but also for the national agenda of digital transformation.
“His presence, guidance, and quiet strength will be deeply missed,” he stated.
Romeo Bugyei noted that beyond technology, Archie Hesse is widely respected for his professionalism, humility, and collaborative spirit, adding that his enduring legacy is firmly embedded in the digital foundation on which Ghana’s financial innovations continue to rise.
“We salute you, Archie Hesse, for your outstanding contributions to Ghana’s economic and financial transformation. On behalf of the Technology Chamber and the entire fintech community, we say thank you for your years of service and support. We pray that the next chapter of your journey will be even more impactful,”
Also Read: Archie Hesse is a true digital finance icon – AT Ghana CEO
iSmart
On his part, the Founder and CEO of iSmart International, Robert Oduro noted that Archie Hesse’s leadership has been nothing short of revolutionary, saying that “When we reflect on Ghana’s digital payment transformation over the past decade, his name stands prominently as the chief architect of this extraordinary journey.”
He noted that Archie did not merely manage a payment system; but he engineered a financial revolution that has fundamentally changed how millions of Ghanaians interact with money and financial services.
“At iSmart International Ghana, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Archie Hesse’s vision. His commitment to creating an inclusive digital ecosystem has opened doors for innovative companies like ours to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s fintech landscape. The interoperable payment infrastructure he championed didn’t just connect systems, it connected dreams, aspirations, and opportunities across our nation,” Robert Oduro stated.
He noted that under Archie Hesse’s stewardship, GhIPSS evolved from a national utility into a beacon of innovation that other African nations now seek to emulate, adding that the Mobile Money Interoperability system, GhIPSS Instant Pay, and the various digital payment platforms he spearheaded have democratized financial access in ways Ghanaians could scarcely imagine a decade ago.
According to him, what sets Archie Hesse apart is his rare combination of technical expertise and genuine empathy for the common Ghanaian. Every policy, every system upgrade, every innovation he pursued was anchored in a deep understanding of how technology could serve humanity better.
Archie, he said, understood that behind every transaction is a person, a farmer in the Northern Region, a trader in Kejetia Market, a student at the University of Ghana all deserving seamless, secure, and affordable financial services.
“Throughout our journey at iSmart International Ghana, Archie Hesse has been more than an industry leader; he has been a mentor and collaborative partner. His open-door policy for fintech companies, his willingness to listen to new ideas, and his commitment to fostering healthy competition have created an environment where innovation thrives,” Robert Oduro said.
He said Achie’s leadership style; marked by humility, strategic thinking, and unwavering integrity, has set the standard for what leadership in Ghana’s financial services sector should embody, adding that he built bridges where others saw barriers, found solutions where others saw challenges, and created opportunities where others saw limitations.
“As Mr. Hesse transitions from his role at GhIPSS, his legacy remains embedded in every digital transaction that occurs in Ghana today. The seamless payment experience that Ghanaians now take for granted, the financial inclusion that has brought millions into the formal economy, and the robust payment infrastructure that supports our growing digital economy all bear his indelible mark,” she stated.
The foundation he has laid, he noted, is not just technological; it is institutional, cultural, and deeply human. He has shown us that technology, when guided by vision and compassion, can be a powerful force for social and economic transformation.
Robert Oduro personally thanked Archie Hesse on behalf of iSmart for being a friend and a mentor to young innovators like them and the entire fintech industry.
