Few names in Ghana’s digital economy command the quiet respect and admiration that Mr. Archie Hesse does. For nearly two decades, he has been the unseen force behind Ghana’s payments ecosystem, making sure it works better, leading the team that makes it work beautifully.  

As he moves on from his role as CEO of GhIPSS, we pause to honour the man whose steady leadership and vision have helped define an entire industry. 

He has been, without exaggeration, the titan and gentle giant of Ghana’s fintech infrastructure — the steady hand behind the scenes who helped transform how Ghanaians move money, access services, and engage with the digital economy. 

After 18 remarkable years of service to Ghana — and over a decade as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) — Mr. Hesse is moving on. But what he built remains deeply woven into the fabric of Ghana’s daily life and future. 

The Infrastructure Behind Everyday Ease 

Today in Ghana, people can: 

• Send and receive money across mobile money networks in seconds. 

• Move funds between bank accounts and wallets without stress. 

• Access digital financial services at any time, without queues or cash crunches. 

These everyday conveniences — which we now take for granted — did not exist by default. They are the result of a deliberate, visionary, and technically complex effort. 

Under his leadership, Ghana saw the rollout of platforms like e-zwich, Gh-Link, GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP), and Mobile Money Interoperability. These national assets enable seamless transactions, financial inclusion, and business innovation across the country. 

Many countries in Africa — and beyond — still grapple with fragmented, siloed payment systems. But Ghana stands out. We are the envy of the continent when it comes to interoperability. 

The Quiet Bridge-Builder 

One of Archie’s greatest strengths has always been his ability to bring people together – banks, fintechs, telcos, regulators – and align them behind a shared goal without the fanfare and showmanship of meetings or public discussions. 

He wasn’t loud. He didn’t demand headlines. 
Instead, he built bridges. He navigated competing interests. And he moved mountains, one policy and one partnership at a time. 

What set him apart was not just technical leadership, but a deep understanding of people, how to rally teams, how to build consensus, and how to get things done without ever losing his calm or his conviction. 

A Personal Note 

On a personal level, I will miss his occasional invitations to GHIPSS — often just to share ideas, get feedback, or brainstorm how to help the ecosystem innovate better. He was never afraid to ask questions, never too proud to learn from others, and always looking ahead to what Ghana could do next.  

It’s always a joy and a lesson to see Archie pitch his new initiatives with the gusto of an entrepreneur with an idea that can change the world. 

That humility he brings to old projects and new ideas – paired with his deep expertise – made him a rare kind of leader. And those moments has been a lesson for me and will always stay with me. 

Ghana Must Honour Him 

Archie Hesse may be stepping down from his role at GhIPSS, but I know he is not retiring. And I am certain that wherever his next chapter takes him, it will be guided by the same commitment to excellence, national development, and quiet innovation that defined his journey at GhIPSS. 

From all of us at Hubtel, we say: Ayekoo. Mo ne yo. You have our highest honour, Sir! 

We celebrate you. 
Our customers celebrate you. 
And Ghana, most certainly, celebrates you. 

We thank you — and we wish you the very best in your next endeavours. 

Alex Bram 
CEO, Hubtel