The CEO of MobileMoney Limited (MTN MoMo), Shaibu Haruna has paid a glowing tribute to the recently retired CEO of the Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlements Systems, Archie Hesse, describing him as the “Architect of Ghana’s Digital Financial Revolution”.
Archie Hesse bowed out honourably on July 1, 2025 after 18 stellar years of dedicated service to Ghana, leaving a legacy of ubiquitous digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the digital payment sector, which no defines how Ghanaians transact today.
Also Read: Archie Hesse will be remembered for 18 stellar years of dedicated service to Ghana
Archie served at GhIPSS for 18 years, out of which he was CEO for 13 years. He is hailed for being the brain behind high impact DPIs in the digital payment sector such as mobile money interoperability, Ghana Instant Pay (GIP), e-zwich, gh-link, GhanaPay, GHQR and several others which has bridged the financial inclusion gap in the country in a very significant way.
The several local and international industry awards Archie won for himself and for GhIPSS during his 18-year tenure is testament to his legacy.
In an extensive tribute to Archie, exclusively copied to Techfocus24, the MTN MoMo Boss, Shaibu Haruna described Archie as a visionary whose tenure at GhIPSS has been nothing short of transformative, saying that his contribution to propelling the country towards an inclusive digital future can not be overemphasized.
He noted that Archie’s achievements are reflected in him championing interoperability, driving innovation, building national infrastructure, fostering collaboration and advocating for inclusion among others.
Find the full tribute from Shaibu Haruna below:
It is with immense respect and profound admiration that we celebrate Mr. Archie Hesse, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS). His tenure has been nothing short of transformative, etching his name indelibly onto the landscape of Ghana’s financial ecosystem and propelling the nation towards an inclusive digital future.
Mr. Hesse arrived at GhIPSS not merely as a leader, but as a catalyst for change. He possessed a clarity of vision – a Ghana where seamless, secure, and accessible digital payments were the norm, not the exception; where financial services reached the farthest corners of the nation, empowering individuals and businesses alike. Under his astute leadership, this vision rapidly evolved into tangible reality.
His legacy is woven into the very fabric of how Ghanaians transact today:
Championing Interoperability: Archie Hesse spearheaded the groundbreaking Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) project, a revolutionary feat that shattered silos. This audacious initiative connected mobile money networks (Electronic Money Issuers) and bank accounts, allowing funds to flow freely between them for the first time. 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.
Driving Innovation: His leadership fostered an environment ripe for continuous innovation. He championed the Ghana Universal QR Code Payment System, simplifying merchant payments. He oversaw the launch of GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), enabling real-time interbank transfers. The introduction of GhanaPay, the national mobile wallet, stands as another testament to his commitment to providing accessible, homegrown solutions.
Building National Infrastructure: Mr. Hesse understood that a robust digital economy required foundational pillars. He relentlessly drove the expansion and strengthening of GhIPSS’s core infrastructure – Gh-Link (the national switch), E-Zwich (the biometric payment platform), and ACH Direct Credit and Direct Debit systems – ensuring they were reliable, scalable, and secure for the nation’s growing needs.
Fostering Collaboration: Perhaps one of his most significant strengths was his ability to build bridges. He navigated the complex terrain of banks, telecommunications companies, fintech startups, regulators (especially the Bank of Ghana), and government agencies with remarkable diplomacy and foresight. He understood that true systemic change required curated collaboration, and masterfully partnerships to make Ghana’s digital payment ambitions a reality.
Advocating for Inclusion: Beyond the technology, Archie Hesse remained passionately focused on the human impact. Every initiative under his watch was measured against its ability to include the marginalized, empower small businesses, reduce the cost of transactions, and enhance the overall economic well-being of ordinary Ghanaians. Financial inclusion wasn’t a buzzword; it was the core mission.
Beyond the projects and the infrastructure, Archie Hesse led with integrity, humility, and an unwavering dedication. He inspired his team at GhIPSS, commanded respect across the financial sector, and became a trusted voice nationally and internationally on digital financial transformation. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking were anchors during periods of rapid change and challenge.
Mr. Hesse, your leadership has fundamentally reshaped Ghana’s financial destiny. You turned GhIPSS from a crucial backend operation into the dynamic engine powering the nation’s digital payments revolution. You didn’t just build systems; you built confidence, accessibility, and opportunity for millions.
As we reflect on your remarkable tenure as CEO, we do not simply say “thank you.” We acknowledge you as the indispensable architect of a more connected, financially empowered Ghana. Your vision, your drive, and your collaborative spirit have laid an unshakeable foundation for the future. The seamless transactions, the bustling digital marketplace, the empowered trader in a remote village of Ghana – these are all part of the enduring legacy of Archie Hesse.
Your contribution transcends GhIPSS; it is woven into the economic and social fabric of Ghana. For this, the nation owes you a profound debt of gratitude. May the next chapter be as rewarding as the incredible legacy you leave behind.
Thank you, Mr. Archie Hesse, for your friendship and most importantly for lighting the way and building the future.
