The Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana has called for urgent action to protect Mobile Money (MoMo) agents following a series of deadly robbery attacks.

In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, the Chamber condemned the violence, stating, “Three Mobile Money agents dying in one month is entirely unacceptable,” and emphasising that “one life lost is one too many.”

The Chamber urged President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministers of Interior and Finance, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to collaborate on immediate measures to curb these attacks.

“We are particularly concerned about the increasing frequency of these violent crimes,” the release added.

EMIs called for intensified law enforcement efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attacks.

Highlighting MoMo agents’ crucial role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem, the Chamber stressed that their safety is vital to the country’s digital financial stability.

It also debunked the misconception that “mobile money agents carry large amounts of cash,” clarifying that most transactions are digital.

The EMIs Chamber announced plans to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and the Bank of Ghana on security initiatives, including the Agent Registry and Security of Agents project.

Meanwhile, EMIs advised agents to adopt essential security measures, such as closing their shops by 6:00 PM, installing CCTV and panic alarms, and reporting suspicious activities to local police.

The Chamber concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise MoMo agents’ safety amid Ghana’s ongoing digital financial transformation.

Read the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMIs Chamber of Ghana Condemns Attacks on Mobile Money Agents, Calls for Urgent Protection Measures

The Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased mobile money agents whose lives were violently cut short by some unscrupulous members of the public.

We also want to extend our condolences to the entire mobile money agents' fraternity following the recent spate of attacks and killings.

Mobile money agents are critical in Ghana's financial ecosystem, facilitating secure and accessible financial transactions for millions of Ghanaians. The alarming rise in these attacks threatens not only their safety but also the stability of the financial services ecosystem across the country. Their role is invaluable and must be protected. Three mobile money agents dying in one month is entirely unacceptable. One life lost is one too many.

Need for Immediate Action to Protect Agents

The EMIs Chamber of Ghana would like to call on the President, the Interior and Finance Ministers, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Governor of Bank of Ghana to work with us to take urgent measures to protect all mobile money agents from these senseless attacks.

We are particularly concerned about the increasing frequency of these violent crimes and urge law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of mobile money agents, the Chamber is taking immediate steps to engage the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to find effective security solutions to combat this growing menace.

We will also engage the Bank of Ghana on the Agent Registry and Security of Agents project to help protect our partners.

We will work closely with relevant stakeholders to explore enhanced protection measures, improved law enforcement response, and policy interventions to safeguard mobile money agents nationwide.

Mobile Money Agents Do Not Carry Large Sums of Cash

We also take this opportunity to correct a dangerous misconception held by some sections of the public—mobile money agents do not carry large amounts of money on themselves. The notion that they move around with significant sums makes them easy targets for criminals, putting their lives at even greater risk.

Mobile money transactions are largely digital, and cash handling is minimized through structured financial processes. We urge the public to support efforts to protect agents rather than propagate falsehoods that fuel these attacks.

Urgent Call for Agents to Strengthen Security Measures

While we expect swift action from security agencies, we strongly advise all mobile money agents to take precautionary steps to protect themselves, including but not limited to the following:

• Closing their shops early (by 6:00 PM) to reduce exposure to night-time crime.

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and making transactions in isolated locations.

• Investing in CCTV cameras, panic alarm, and security systems at their operating points.

• Being highly vigilant and reporting any suspicious individuals or activities.

• Making your shop and agency known to the nearest police station close to you, so that we can work with the Ghana Police to get their Motor Bicycle Visibility team to patrol close to your shop.

The EMIs Chamber of Ghana stands with all mobile money agents in these difficult times, and we remain committed to working with stakeholders to address these security threats. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering. We urge the Government, Ministry of Interior, National Security, and Ghana Police Service to prioritize the safety of mobile money agents, as their role is essential to Ghana’s digital financial transformation.

The time for decisive action is now. These agents must not continue to be targets of violent crime. We urge all stakeholders, from the Government to the general public, to join us in this urgent call for action.

Media Contacts:
For the Chamber:
Louis Bobbie Osei
bobbie@telecomschamber.org (mailto:bobbie@telecomschamber.org)
0302730500

GA

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