Accra: MTN Ghana has awarded 30 MoMo Agents and 60 merchants in the South-West Business District to recognize their commitment to the growth of the business sector. The awards, presented as part of MTN’s 15-year anniversary celebrations, included e-cash prizes ranging from GHS1,000 to GHS15,000 and motorcycles.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Prince Owusu-Nyarko, the Regional Senior Manager for South-West Business Division of MTN, highlighted the significant contributions of MTN to Ghana’s fintech industry over the past 15 years. He noted the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Ghanaians, the enhancement of government revenue, and the facilitation of businesses, particularly micro-enterprises. Mr. Nyarko emphasized the transformative power of financial inclusion, which has brought dignity to many Ghanaians.
Recalling the company’s journey with MoMo, Mr. Nyarko explained that MTN embarked on this path 15 years ago, despite uncertainties about the future. He expressed pride in env
isioning a future where every Ghanaian could easily access financial services via mobile phones. This vision led to the launch of Mobile Money as a service in 2009, following thorough discussions with technology experts, industry regulators, and key stakeholders. The initial inspiration came from early deployments of mobile money in East Africa, particularly by Safaricom.
Mr. Nyarko recounted the very first successful MoMo transaction, conducted by an MTN staff member on September 25, 2008, before the service’s official launch on July 21, 2009, by then-Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Paul Acquah. He noted that MTN’s introduction of a unique concept involving multiple bank partners initially included nine banks, showcasing their commitment to open partnerships.
The launch of the service was supported by catchy commercials that popularized the phrase “Me Nsa aka,” making the service memorable among Ghanaians. Despite a slow and challenging start due to the disruption of traditional money exchange methods,
MTN used various strategies to build user understanding and confidence in the service. Overcoming initial hurdles, MTN now celebrates the widespread adoption of MoMo.
Mr. David Woasey, Area Sales Manager for the South-West Business Division of MTN, congratulated the award recipients for their unwavering dedication to the business’s success.
