Staff of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC have received specialized training from the Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) on the Automated Clearing House Near Real Time Direct Credit service (ACH-NRT), as part of the bank’s efforts to enhance service delivery and promote digital efficiency.
The training, held in collaboration between ADB’s Clearing Unit and GhIPSS, brought together staff from various departments including Asset Finance, Commercial, Consumer Banking, Credit Risk, and the Ridge Branch to equip them with practical knowledge of the ACH-NRT platform.
The ACH-NRT payment system allows institutions to make both single and batched payments by electronically transferring funds into different bank accounts nationwide. Unlike the traditional direct credit system that takes between 24 and 48 hours for funds to reflect, the NRT service ensures that transfers are completed within just 15 minutes.
According to Elsie Adiku, Team Lead of Partner Engagement & Bulk Payment at GhIPSS, “This means that on the ACH DC NRT platform, it will take only 15 minutes for money sent from bank A account to hit or be credited to bank B account(s). This allows the recipient(s) to receive value within the shortest possible time, rather than having to wait for 24 or 48 hours.”
Speaking at the session, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Services, Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, commended GhIPSS for the collaboration and reaffirmed ADB’s dedication to building a more efficient, customer-centric banking system.
“The Near Real Time (NRT) payment channel offers a better and quicker alternative to cheques,” he said. “As a customer-focused institution, we are continuously investing in the development of our people and systems to provide faster, more reliable banking experiences.”
He further noted that the global banking landscape is moving away from cheque payments toward digital solutions, and ADB must continue evolving to remain competitive. “As an innovative and forward-looking bank, it is necessary for us to constantly evolve through training and capacity-building programs such as the ACH-NRT training,” he added.
Officials from GhIPSS led participants through the operational framework, benefits, and technical aspects of the NRT Direct Credit system. The sessions emphasized how the technology enhances payment efficiency, minimizes settlement delays, and contributes to reducing financial fraud across the banking sector.
The Head of ADB’s Clearing Unit, Gibrila Osumanu, also underscored the significance of the new payment platform, explaining that “ACH NRT would offer customers real value and help curb financial fraud.”
Over the years, ADB and GhIPSS have built a strong working relationship anchored on innovation and collaboration. Both institutions have expressed their commitment to strengthening this partnership further to make banking faster, safer, and more convenient for all Ghanaians.
