Ghana has become the first African country to launch a Universal QR Code following the innovative digital payment solution from HPS
GHIPSS (Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems), a subsidiary of the bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the global payments solutions provider, HPS, have announced the introduction of a universal QR code and the proxy pay platform, a pivotal move towards the crystallization of a cashless society.
This development means that customers can now make fast payments for commodities and services from diverse sources simply by scanning a QR (Quick Response) code on a smartphone device.
Diverse funding sources from which customers can make payments include; bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cards. GhQR – the Universal QR code payment solution for Ghana also allows users of feature phones to complete payments with a USSD code provided by their specific service providers. This payment solution is fast, getting payments across to merchants and businesses through a special or static QR code.
Universal QR codes accord customers the ability to make payments to businesses and business owners from several sources and on different platforms quite unlike unique QR codes. Ghana has become the first African country to regularise this system of payment nationally.
This comes as a timely solution in line with the suggestions of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the exchange of banknotes. The WHO advocates the use of contactless payments to halt the spread of the Coronavirus.
According to the CEO of GhiPSS, Archie Hesse, “We are excited to go live with this innovative QR code solution from HPS that allows us to continue to provide cutting-edge national electronic payments infrastructure to Ghanaians.” He continues “at this time, our quest towards a modern, cashless society is more important than ever and we are proud to be the first African country to implement this universal QR code solution. HPS has delivered an agile, comprehensive solution during a time of global crisis and we can foresee incredible benefits”
The CEO of HPS, Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili, said; “We are delighted to bring this innovative QR code solution to GhiPSS and their customers. Not only will this benefit consumers and merchants in terms of convenience and cost, but this initiative contributes an important part to a long-term goal of the cashless society”
Through this innovation Ghana left most heavyweight Africa countries in the dust, moving forward to substantiate her place as a nation with an eye for advancement. In the current marketplace, consumers and producers are utilizing the timely offering of QR code payments. This has underlined the importance of this innovation, proving that indeed, Ghana is poised for the future.
