Kwame Oppong Steps Down as Director of FinTech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana

After several transformative years at the helm of financial technology regulation and innovation, Kwame Oppong has announced his departure from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), where he served as the Director of FinTech and Innovation. In a reflective message shared on LinkedIn, Oppong expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the establishment of the FinTech and Innovation Office, describing his tenure as an “incredibly rewarding journey” that shaped Ghana’s position as a continental leader in digital financial innovation.

During his time at the Bank of Ghana, Oppong oversaw landmark projects that have positioned the country as one of Africa’s most forward-thinking digital finance ecosystems. Among his major achievements were leading the eCedi Pilot Project, the central bank’s pioneering initiative to test a digital currency, and launching the Regulatory Sandbox, which created a structured environment for startups and institutions to safely test innovative financial solutions.

He also spearheaded the development of a Supervisory Intelligence Platform, which digitized prudential reporting using geospatial analytics, and initiated efforts toward license passporting and cross-border mobile money interoperability with Rwanda — a significant step toward regional financial integration.

Under his leadership, the Bank of Ghana introduced a series of guidelines and policy frameworks that strengthened digital financial governance and consumer protection. These included regulatory standards for remittances, crowdfunding, merchant accounts, card processing localization, and corporate governance. He also oversaw the creation of Akushika, an AI-powered chatbot designed to enhance financial sector transparency and customer engagement.

Oppong played a leading role in elevating Ghana’s global fintech profile, convening industry leaders and policymakers at major events such as the DC FinTech Week 2024 Leaders Dinner and co-hosting the 3i Africa Summit 2024, which brought together nearly 8,000 participants from 81 countries — cementing Ghana’s reputation as a leading fintech and investment destination on the continent.

These accomplishments culminated in a landmark recognition: Ghana was ranked #1 globally by the GSMA for its mobile money regulatory environment, reflecting the strength and inclusivity of the nation’s fintech ecosystem.

In his farewell message, Oppong expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues, partners, and innovators who shared in his vision.

“Together, we’ve built something truly special: a vibrant fintech ecosystem that continues to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful’”

– Kwame Oppong, Outgoing Director of FinTech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana (BoG)

While he did not disclose his next professional destination, Oppong reaffirmed his commitment to promoting innovation, inclusion, and responsible growth in the financial technology space, signaling that his next chapter will continue to focus on shaping the future of fintech across Africa and beyond.