Accra, Ghana//-MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL) today launched another innovation campaign dubbed Ride with MoMo, aimed at enhancing digital payments in Ghana’s transport sector.
The campaign comes with the introduction of a merchant payment solution that enables drivers to receive fares electronically through the Ghana QR (GHQR) platform.
It also reduces the risks and inconveniences associated with cash transactions.
This historic campaign was launched at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Auditorium, with hundreds of drivers from Uber, Bolt, Yango, haulage drivers, taxi drivers, among others, queuing to register for the GHQR platform.
These drivers, commercial tricycle riders, and several others across the length and breadth of the country would be given MoMo merchant wallets individually to enable them to collect their fares instantly.
The Ride with MoMo campaign is being implemented by MobileMoney Fintech LTD in partnership with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) and the Digital Transport Workers Union (DTWU).
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Shaibu Haruna, explained that the campaign is designed to solve everyday challenges faced by drivers, including difficulties in handling cash, security concerns and poor financial record-keeping.
He recounted an experience shared by his niece, who spent several minutes searching for change after paying a GH¢42 fare with a GH¢100 note.
The driver told her, “Madam, the driving is the easy part. It is the money that is hard.’ That statement captures the daily reality for many transport operators across the country,” Mr Haruna said.
According to him, most drivers spend valuable time counting cash, searching for change, guarding against counterfeit notes and worrying about theft, while fleet operators often rely on handwritten records to reconcile daily earnings.
Mr Haruna is confident that the Ride with MoMo campaign offers a simple solution through GHQR technology, allowing passengers to scan a driver’s QR code using the MoMo App or any application that supports the GHQR standard to pay the exact fare instantly.
“When passengers scan your GHQR code, they pay the exact fare. No change, no arguments and no stopping in traffic,” he said.
Mr Haruna therefore encouraged transport operators to register before leaving the launch venue and called on transport unions to champion the novelty campaign among their members.
“Let us make the money part easier. Let us make every fare safer, faster and more transparent,” he said.
Rewards
To encourage adoption, MobileMoney Fintech LTD disclosed that drivers who register as MoMo merchants will receive reward points redeemable for fuel vouchers and vehicle maintenance vouchers.
While drivers who consistently use the platform will accumulate additional points, top-performing drivers each month will receive vehicle upgrade packages.
Free registration
Presenting an overview of the campaign, Manager of Mobile Money Channel Development at MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Faisal Ali, said registration for the merchant service is free, but requires only a valid Ghana Card, while drivers with registered businesses may also present their business certificates during registration.
The service is completely free. Drivers can visit any MTN office or speak to our ambassadors to register and receive their merchant account at no cost, Mr Ali added.
Ride with MoMo makes drivers CEOs
He said: “Ride with MoMo makes you the CEO of your ride”.
Become a MoMo Driver Merchant, and every fare lands instantly in your merchant wallet. No “I no get change” wahala, he added.
Mr Ali also indicated that passengers could scan the driver’s GHQR code or pay the driver’s Merchant ID from the MoMo app straight into his or her wallet.
“Your money hits your merchant wallet on the spot. Less cash in the car means less risk on the road. Every trip builds your track record as a business owner and moves you up the leaderboard for weekly prizes.
Migrating to merchant wallets
Speaking to journalists after the launch, Chief Commercial Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Abdul Razak Issaka Ali, emphasised that the campaign is aimed at encouraging all categories of commercial drivers, including ride-hailing operators and taxis, to migrate from personal mobile money wallets to dedicated merchant accounts.
He stated that many drivers currently receive transport fares through their personal wallets, making it difficult to separate business income from personal finances.
Mr Issaka Ali noted that the merchant solution is specifically designed for businesses and offers significantly lower transaction charges, enabling drivers to operate more efficiently and profitably.
“We are trying to bring the merchant solution and the ease of doing business into the transport space. Drivers are businesses, and we want them to enjoy the benefits that our merchant services provide.”
Mr Issaka Ali also used the opportunity to address concerns about mobile money charges and maintained that digital payment services inevitably come with operational costs, but stressed that the merchant platform offers a more affordable option for business users.
“A payment service comes with operational costs because the systems have to be maintained. However, merchant charges are much lower because the solution is designed specifically for businesses.”
Chief Business Officer at GhIPSS, Akosua Blay, was quick to explain that the campaign leverages GHQR, Ghana’s universal QR payment solution, which enables merchants to receive payments from customers regardless of whether they are using bank accounts, mobile money wallets or fintech wallets.
According to her, the deployment of GHQR across the transport sector would expand payment options for commuters while helping drivers grow their businesses through secure and seamless digital transactions.
What the drivers say
A cross-section of drivers who spoke to African Eye Report after the event was appreciative of the campaign introduced by MobileMoney Fintech LTD.
They, however, urged the company and its partners to embark on a massive education campaign to enable them (drivers) to understand and embrace the Ride with MoMo campaign.
