Mahama unveils digital wallet plan during meeting with Dutch Queen Máxima

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a digital wallet linked to Ghana’s national identification system to improve access to financial services and digital transactions.

He disclosed this during a meeting with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Queen Máxima was in Ghana in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health.

President Mahama, Queen Máxima discuss financing for Ghanaian women

According to a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared on Facebook on Friday, November 6, 2026, the discussions focused on Ghana’s efforts to promote financial inclusion, particularly among women, young people, farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to digital services and informed the Queen that initiatives were underway to improve connectivity across the country.

He indicated that the government was pursuing “the upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure from 2G to 4G to improve internet access, particularly in rural communities.”

The President also highlighted the importance of traditional savings arrangements, particularly the susu system, in supporting individuals and communities.

He acknowledged that mobile money services and taxes on mobile money transactions had affected the traditional system, with some users shifting back to cash transactions.

He agreed that “reducing the cost of digital transactions and developing innovative ways of digitising traditional savings arrangements would encourage wider participation in the formal financial system.”

During the meeting, Queen Máxima shared her experiences from engagements with women traders at the Makola Market and other groups, saying these interactions helped highlight the financial challenges they face.

She also spoke about her engagements with women in agriculture and expressed admiration for their ability to operate machinery, including tractors.

The statement said the Queen emphasised “the need to improve access to financing, insurance and other support services to enhance productivity and strengthen their livelihoods as well as those of their families.”

Queen Máxima commended President Mahama’s leadership, expressing confidence that Ghana could advance the financial health agenda through stronger public-private partnerships and digital technology.

She also reiterated her commitment to supporting the country through international partnerships and technical expertise.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his deputy, James Gyakye Quayson.

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NA/BAI