The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, welcomed Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Bank Square for a high-level Financial Health Leadership Roundtable.
Queen Máxima, who serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, participated in the engagement aimed at advancing financial inclusion and improving the financial well-being of individuals, households and businesses in Ghana.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Asiama highlighted Ghana’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading digital financial services markets, driven by innovations in mobile money, interoperable payment systems and financial technology (fintech).
He noted that these developments have significantly expanded access to financial services for millions of Ghanaians. However, he emphasised that increasing access to banking and digital payment platforms must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s financial well-being.
According to the Bank of Ghana Governor, the next phase of the country’s financial inclusion agenda should focus on encouraging savings, expanding insurance coverage, strengthening pension participation, promoting investment opportunities, improving financial literacy and ensuring access to responsible credit.
Bank of Ghana Pushes Financial Inclusion for MSMEs
Dr Asiama also identified micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a critical pillar of Ghana’s economic development, highlighting the need to improve access to affordable and sustainable financing for businesses.
He called on financial institutions and industry stakeholders to harness digital technology, reliable data and financial innovation to address existing financing challenges.
The Governor explained that leveraging technology and better financial information could reduce information gaps between lenders and borrowers, making it easier for viable businesses to secure funding.
He particularly emphasised the importance of expanding access to finance for women entrepreneurs, smallholder farmers and businesses that continue to face difficulties obtaining affordable loans.
Asiama Calls for Action to Improve Financial Health in Ghana
The Bank of Ghana Governor urged stakeholders in the financial sector to move beyond discussions and develop practical strategies that would deliver measurable improvements in financial health across the country.
He stressed the importance of establishing clear priorities and making concrete commitments to ensure that more Ghanaians can access appropriate financial products and services.
The engagement with Queen Máxima underscores the importance of strengthening Ghana’s financial inclusion agenda, supporting MSME development and building a more resilient financial system that promotes economic opportunities for households and businesses.
The initiative is expected to contribute to broader efforts to improve financial literacy, expand access to affordable financial services and promote sustainable economic growth in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com