What was the 0.75% MoMo charge and why did freight forwarders oppose it?

The Bank of Ghana had implemented a 0.75% fee on mobile money (MoMo) transfers. For freight forwarders, this created incremental transaction costs on a high-volume payment channel commonly used for logistics operations. The fee directly reduced margins and increased the cost of doing business, particularly for smaller operators relying on mobile money for working capital and operational payments.

How does this regulatory decision impact supply chain costs in Ghana?

The elimination of the transfer fee reduces transaction costs for freight forwarders and logistics providers who process payments via mobile money. This cost savings can be passed through to shippers or retained to improve operational margins, making Ghanaian logistics services more cost-competitive in the West African market.

Does this change affect only Ghana or have broader regional implications?

While the decision is specific to Ghana and the Bank of Ghana's regulatory authority, it may influence policy discussions across other West African central banks and African logistics hubs. Similar fee structures exist in other markets, and success in eliminating them could create precedent for regulatory review elsewhere in the region.

What is the significance of mobile money in African supply chain operations?

Mobile money platforms are critical payment infrastructure in African markets, particularly for business-to-business transactions in logistics and supply chain sectors. They provide liquidity, reduce reliance on traditional banking, and enable rapid settlement—making any regulatory action affecting fees important for operational efficiency.

Are there other fees or charges that freight forwarders are likely to challenge?

This action may embolden the freight forwarding sector to challenge other ancillary charges and regulatory fees that impact operational costs. Central banks and regulators may face increased pressure to review payment processing fees more broadly to ensure supply chain sector competitiveness.

Trade Policy & Tariffs

Moderate

Ghana halts MoMo transfer fee, cuts freight forwarding costs

May 26, 2026

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The signal

75% mobile money (MoMo) transfer charge, delivering a significant cost relief measure for the country's freight forwarding sector. This regulatory action removes a previously imposed fee that directly impacted transaction costs for logistics providers handling payments through mobile money platforms—a critical payment channel in Ghana's informal and formal supply chain ecosystem. For supply chain professionals, this development signals an important shift in operational cost structure within the West African logistics market.

Freight forwarders have publicly welcomed the decision, indicating the fee was materially affecting their bottom lines and operational efficiency. The suspension reduces friction in payment processing, which is particularly relevant in African markets where mobile money represents a primary payment infrastructure for business-to-business transactions. The broader implication is that regulatory bodies are increasingly sensitive to how ancillary charges affect supply chain fluidity in emerging markets.

This action may set a precedent for similar reviews of payment-related fees across the region, potentially influencing pricing strategies and cost structures for logistics operators across West Africa.

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