According to Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, the First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, the current SIM Card registration activity aims to assure the centralization of KYC data to enhance the supply of financial services free from fraud.
He claims that in order to prevent theft, potential for money laundering, and the financing of terrorists, the exercise has become vital.
Dr. Opoku-Afari stated, “The consumer should be at the center of our joint efforts,” at the Standard Chartered Bank-organized 2022 Digital Banking, Innovation, and Fintech event. As a result, the Bank will not give up trying to safeguard them.
“It is in this vain that the Bank of Ghana has developed an artificial intelligence-powered automated customer complaint system, I believe this community refers to it as a chatbot; dubbed ‘Akushika’,” he disclosed.
He explained that this customer experience solution is being deployed as an additional mechanism, to manage consumer complaints and promote consumer protection.
“The chatbot is currently in its pilot phase and I would like to use this opportunity to encourage you all to interact with it to ensure that it becomes fit for its purpose,” the Deputy BoG Governor added.
Touching on the introduction of the central bank digital currency known as the eCedi, Dr. Opoku Afari said the comprehensive pilot testing process has been completed.
He noted that the pilot process saw the testing of online and offline versions of the eCedi in Accra, Tarkwa and Sefwi Asafo.
“The pilot has unearthed useful insights on the impact of the initiative of the Bank which will prove instrumental in the event of a full-scale deployment of the eCedi.”
The deputy central bank governor in his conclusion said as part of the effort to build stronger collaboration and cooperation with industry, the regulator has embarked on an engagement drive through the FinTech and Innovation Office.
He further said the central bank remains resolute in its commitment toward a cash-lite agenda in Ghana.