Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrives in Ghana to promote financial health

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has arrived in Ghana for a four-day working visit in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA). The visit is centered on enhancing the financial security of Ghanaians by advocating for broader access to affordable credit, insurance, and pensions. Despite significant growth in financial inclusion, Queen Máxima aims to address the remaining challenges that prevent many citizens, particularly those in low-income households, from achieving long-term financial stability.

During her stay, the Queen will engage in high-level discussions with key government leaders, including President John Mahama. She is also scheduled to meet with the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, to discuss the country's regulatory priorities and the evolution of digital finance. A key highlight of her itinerary is a roundtable discussion co-hosted with the central bank, which will bring together financial sector leaders to explore innovative ways to measure and improve the financial health of the population.

The visit comes as Ghana reports strong progress in financial access, with the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025 indicating that 81% of adults now have financial accounts, largely driven by mobile money services. However, officials note that account ownership does not always translate to financial resilience. To observe the practical application of financial tools, the Queen will visit a farm to discuss agricultural financing and meet with stakeholders to identify ways to increase pension coverage for workers in the informal sector.

This mission follows previous high-level consultations held during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, highlighting the international community's focus on Ghana's economic resilience. By the conclusion of her trip, Queen Máxima is expected to have identified collaborative pathways between the government and the private sector to ensure that financial services are not only accessible but also effectively support the daily lives and future planning of all Ghanaians.