As Ghana prepares to launch its Central Bank Digital Currency, the eCedi, officials are stressing that comprehensive digital literacy will be critical to ensuring safe, effective adoption, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, highlighted the challenges facing citizens who may lack the skills to use digital wallets and financial technologies effectively.
Speaking at the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference, he noted that digital literacy gaps remain a key barrier to the eCedi’s success, especially among populations outside urban centers.
“Many Ghanaians, particularly in rural and remote areas, do not yet have the experience or knowledge to transact safely using digital payment platforms,” Dr. Mumuni said. “To build trust and promote secure usage, comprehensive digital literacy programmes will be essential as we roll out the eCedi nationwide.”
Ghana’s payment ecosystem has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades, from RTGS and GhIPSS systems to mobile money interoperability, creating a strong foundation for digital payments. Yet, officials say that adoption of a central-bank-backed digital currency requires more than technology, it requires people who are prepared and confident to use it safely.
The eCedi is designed to enhance financial inclusion, improve payment efficiency, and strengthen monetary policy transmission, offering a regulated and trusted alternative to unregulated private digital currencies.
However, Dr. Mumuni emphasized that education and awareness will be as important as the technology itself, particularly in enabling rural households, MSMEs, and local businesses to participate fully in the digital economy.
Offline functionality, high cybersecurity standards, and regulatory safeguards are being built into the eCedi system to mitigate risks, but user understanding will remain critical to prevent fraud, misuse, and operational errors. The Bank of Ghana plans to complement the rollout with nationwide awareness campaigns and targeted digital literacy programs, ensuring that the benefits of the eCedi reach all Ghanaians safely and inclusively.
“With the right education, training, and support, the eCedi can transform Ghana’s financial landscape, empower communities, and demonstrate leadership in Africa’s digital finance sector,” Dr. Mumuni said.
