The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS) is calling on businesses and financial institutions to adopt and promote the ACH Direct Credit Near Real-Time (NRT) payment service, an innovative solution designed to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient transactions across Ghana.
According to GhIPSS, this groundbreaking payment service allows businesses to transfer bulk funds to recipients’ bank accounts within fifteen (15) minutes, making it a significant upgrade over traditional payment methods such as standard direct credit (24 hours), express credit (4 hours), or cheque payments (up to 48 hours).
With today’s fast-paced business environment demanding quick decision-making and seamless operations, the ACH Near Real-Time service offers a powerful alternative to time-consuming cash or manual payments.
GhIPSS highlights several key benefits for businesses. Funds are credited to recipients within minutes, making the service ideal for urgent supplier payments, payroll processing, refunds, or last-minute disbursements. The service operates even outside traditional banking hours, providing flexibility for both businesses and individuals. The need to carry large sums of cash is eliminated, reducing the risks of theft, fraud, or human error. Transactions are automatically logged, making it easier for businesses to track, audit, and reconcile payments, thereby strengthening financial transparency and management. Timely payments also help build credibility and enhance business relationships.
To unlock the full potential of NRT services, GhIPSS is urging banks to make this payment option more visible and accessible on their digital platforms, including Internet and mobile banking apps.
“Customers often choose what they see. By labeling and positioning the NRT option clearly, banks can encourage wider usage of this fast and efficient payment method,” said Mary Dei Sarpong, Head of Bulk Payments & Customer Support at GhIPSS.
She further encouraged banks to proactively market the service to corporate clients, SMEs, and public institutions, noting that bulk payments to multiple beneficiaries can now be done in real-time, saving both time and cost.
Ghana remains one of the few African countries offering this level of real-time interbank bulk payment capability, positioning it ahead of many global counterparts. This achievement underscores the country’s commitment to modernizing its financial infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for digital business transactions.
Yet, as Mrs. Dei Sarpong emphasized, the service is only as effective as its adoption. “It’s important that financial institutions take steps to educate their clients and show them availability and benefits of this service. It’s about empowering businesses with choice and efficiency,” she said.
GhIPSS also noted that NRT payments significantly reduce the need for physical cash—cutting down on traffic hassles, long queues, and reconciliation issues tied to cash payments. Instead, businesses can enjoy a streamlined, digital-first approach to financial management.
