Author: Maame Owusuaa
Commercial drivers across Ghana are being encouraged to embrace a new era of cashless transport payments following the launch of “Ride with MoMo,” a nationwide campaign designed to simplify fare collection, improve financial management and enhance security within the transport sector.
The initiative, introduced by MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL) in Accra, seeks to accelerate the adoption of digital payments by enabling drivers to receive fares through dedicated MoMo merchant accounts using the Ghana Quick Response (GHQR) payment system.
Through the platform, passengers can pay for journeys by simply scanning a QR code displayed in commercial vehicles using any supported mobile money wallet or banking application.
The system eliminates the need for physical cash, reduces delays associated with finding change and allows drivers to receive payments instantly.
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) and the Digital Transport Workers Union (DTWU), with participation expected from taxi drivers, ride-hailing operators, truck drivers, pragya riders and other commercial transport providers across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Shaibu Haruna, said the initiative was developed after recognising the operational and financial challenges created by heavy reliance on cash within the transport industry.
“The future of commercial transport in Ghana is digital, and ‘Ride with MoMo’ is designed to help drivers make that transition safely and efficiently,” Mr. Haruna said.
According to him, many commercial drivers currently receive fares through personal mobile money wallets, making it difficult to distinguish business income from personal spending and limiting their ability to maintain reliable financial records.
He noted that migrating drivers onto merchant wallets would provide verifiable digital transaction histories that could support better financial planning and improve their chances of accessing loans and other financial services.
“Merchant wallets give transport operators a clear record of their earnings, making it easier to manage their businesses and access financial opportunities,” he explained.
Mr. Haruna said every registered driver would receive a unique GHQR code to display inside the vehicle, allowing passengers to complete payments within seconds using their preferred digital payment platform.
He said the innovation would remove the common disagreements over change, minimise time lost after trips and significantly reduce the risks associated with carrying large sums of cash, particularly for long-distance and haulage operators.
“Drivers no longer have to worry about carrying large sums of cash or spending valuable time looking for change after every trip. Passengers pay the exact fare and drivers receive their money instantly,” he added.
Beyond offering a safer payment method, the company is introducing incentives to encourage widespread adoption of the platform.
Drivers who actively use their merchant accounts will accumulate reward points that can be redeemed for fuel vouchers and vehicle servicing packages, while top-performing users will also qualify for vehicle upgrade rewards.
Mr. Haruna stressed that the rewards programme is intended to encourage consistent use of digital payments and help transform everyday transport operations across the country.
Chief Commercial Operations Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Abdul Razak Issaka Ali, said the campaign represents more than a payment solution, describing it as a business management tool for commercial drivers.
He explained that electronic transaction records would enable transport operators to monitor daily income, evaluate business performance and build stronger financial profiles capable of supporting future access to credit.
“Digital payment records can strengthen a driver’s financial profile and open doors to credit and other financial services. This initiative is not just about collecting fares digitally; it is about helping commercial drivers build stronger and more sustainable businesses,” Mr. Ali said.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Ghana’s ongoing drive toward a cash-lite economy and broader financial inclusion by expanding the use of interoperable digital payment systems.
Manager of Mobile Money Channel Development at MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Faisal Ali, said participation in the programme is open to all categories of commercial drivers provided they operate MoMo merchant wallets instead of personal mobile money accounts.
He encouraged interested drivers to register at MTN offices or designated registration centres using only their Ghana Card, noting that the registration process is completely free.
“Every taxi driver, ride-hailing driver, truck driver and commercial operator can benefit from this campaign by simply registering for a MoMo merchant wallet. We want drivers to digitise their businesses, keep their money secure and enjoy rewards for embracing cashless payments,” Mr. Ali said.
To further motivate participation, Mr. Ali announced several weekly and monthly reward packages. Drivers who complete at least 20 qualifying transactions in a week with cumulative payments of up to GH¢1,000 will receive a 1GB data bundle.
Additionally, the top ten performing drivers in every region each week will receive GH¢500 alongside a 1GB data package, while selected monthly winners will take home GH¢1,000.
Chief Business Officer of GhIPSS, Akosua Blay, said the organisation’s involvement ensures that the GHQR payment platform remains fully interoperable, allowing customers from different banks, mobile money providers and fintech services to use a single QR code.
She explained that even customers using feature phones would be able to complete payments through USSD by entering the merchant code, making the solution accessible to a broader segment of the population.
“One GHQR code allows customers from different banks and mobile money platforms to make payments seamlessly. Digital payments improve cash flow because drivers can immediately use their earnings for fuel and other operational expenses,” Ms. Blay said.
She added that the system reduces the risks associated with theft and loss of cash while improving convenience for both passengers and transport operators.
Stakeholders at the launch expressed confidence that the initiative will accelerate the digital transformation of Ghana’s transport sector by improving transparency, enhancing financial inclusion and promoting safer, more efficient fare collection nationwide.
