Ex-Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank impressed by Ghana’s digitalisation drive

The former Emir of Kano and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mohammed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has commended Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his role in Ghana’s digitalisation agenda.

The renowned cleric, banker and economist, said he has been keenly following developments on Ghana’s digitalisation drive which is driving transformation in various sectors of the economy.

“Your digital work I am aware of because I happen to be on the global board of MTN and we have an operating office in Ghana so we get reports in Johannesburg on what is happening in different countries so we do know what is happening in the digital space, Fintechs and so on within Ghana,” he stated.

The revered banker also commended Ghana’s Central Bank for leading the way in digital payment systems, adding that Ghana’s success story has been partly due to the enormous experience of Dr. Bawumia in banking and digital payment regulations.

Sanusi Lamidor, who paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, said “I must say I am jealous because the Bank of Ghana has gotten ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Fintech and others.

He said “We all started with banking modules, but I think you quickly realized it was limited and you broke off. But I am happy the central bank of Nigeria is on now; the roles are being reversed and we are now copying from Ghana.

‘I’m sure that Ghana’s digitization drive was largely due to your input and experience from central banking and regulation of digital payments,’ he observed.

Sanusi Lamidor, who was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria before becoming the Emir (King) of Kano, therefore, praised Dr. Bawumia for his good works, including leading Ghana’s digital reforms and payment systems.

The renowned banker and economist is also a revered Islamic cleric with the title Khalifa. He is the spiritual head of the Tijaaniya Order in Nigeria.

He is in the country at the invitation of the leadership of the Muslim community. While in the country, he will participate in a special end-of-year Quran recitation and prayers for sustainable peace in Ghana and the sub-region