Mobile Operators in the electronic money business are paying interests totalling ¢15.6 million to over 15million customers across the country for the first half of 2016.The e-‐ money issuers–Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money,Tigo Cash and Vodafone Cash are complying with the Electronic Money Issuers Guidelines issued in July 2015 by the Central Bank.
“The onset of interest payments for mobile money customers is an exciting milestone for mobile operators and customers.It underscores the mobile industry’s commitment to delivering convenient and life-‐enhancing financial services to consumers,” said Mr. Kwaku Sakyi-Addo (CEO of the Telecoms Chamber).He expressed appreciation to the Bank of Ghana for approving the payments of accrued interests to mobile money e-cash.
The accrued interest to be paid by mobile money operators is the daily electronic cash, which is aggregated over a month and then a quarter. The interests will be paid in two installments reflecting payments for each of the first two quarters of 2016. Customers will be notified with dates for third quarter payments following reviews and further directives from the Central Bank.
Mobile Operators have partner banks with whom the cash generated by customers are lodged in a float,which attracts interest. The Central Bank requires the partner banks to pay between 1.5 to 7% interests per annum to mobile operators who in turn are obliged to pay 80 percent of the interest received to The remaining 20 percent is retained by the mobile operator to drive further financial inclusion, customer acquisition activities. This is a win-win-win for the customers,partner banks and the e-money issuers.The partner banks would continue to benefit from a relatively stable,large and growing deposit balance,the e-money issuers/providers would benefit from retaining up to 20 percent of the interest and customers would benefit by earning at least 80 percent of the interest. This milestone would provide an incentive for all players to support the growth of mobile money.
About the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, works through direct engagements with government,civil society,key stakeholders, consumers and its global partners to shape the mobile ecosystem and maximize the socio-economic benefits of mobile in Ghana.
For more information,please visit the Chamber website at www.telecomschamber.org Follow the Chamber on Facebook:@Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications
