John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced an ambitious plan to transition all government institutions to a cashless system by 2028 if elected into power.
Mahama revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has already embraced a cashless system, and the next phase will involve extending the implementation to other government agencies and selected private institutions. The goal is to phase out cash payments for goods and services, promoting electronic forms of payments like mobile money.
“We want to phase out cash as a form of all payments by 2028, and so for any payment that you have to do, for any service that has to do with the public sector and some to do with the private sector, by 2028, we will no longer receive cash,” Mahama stated. “So in the hospital and other places, you would have to use your mobile money to pay, electronic forms of payments.”
This announcement comes after Mahama’s earlier promise to establish a 24-hour economy to fast-track the country’s development. He believes the 24-hour system will help revitalize the ailing economy, maximize productivity and efficiency, and create a dynamic and vibrant economy benefiting both workers and businesses.
To achieve this, Mahama outlined measures to improve security and public safety, including massive recruitment into security services and private security operations. Additionally, he plans to implement cost-saving measures, such as canceling payment of electricity, fuel, and other incentives for government officials. Only government vehicles used for official duties will be eligible for fuel provided by the state.
“We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, DSTV as conditions of service for top government officials, directors, and the political class. We believe that people should take up paying their own electricity bills and water like every other Ghanaian does,” Mahama emphasized.
