Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has held talks with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, on strategies to strengthen financial wellbeing and inclusion.
The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., focused on redefining financial health beyond economic indicators, positioning it as a measure of individuals’ ability to withstand shocks, seize opportunities, and plan their futures with confidence.
Both parties emphasised the importance of financial inclusion, stressing that individuals should not merely be connected to the financial system, but genuinely empowered by it.
Queen Máxima and the Ato Forson discussed the need to move beyond a narrow interpretation of finance, highlighting the importance of systems that are accessible, inclusive, and supportive of everyday life.
He noted that financial systems must not be distant or difficult to navigate, but should instead function as practical tools that enable people to live with certainty, purpose, and hope.
“We spoke about financial inclusion, but more profoundly about financial health, the condition in which individuals are not merely connected to the financial system, but are empowered by it. At its core, an economy is not a compilation of figures. It is a living expression of human agency. It reflects whether people can withstand shocks, pursue opportunity, and plan their futures with confidence.” he stated
He further stated that Ghana is working toward building an economy where inclusion is not symbolic but practical, ensuring that no citizen is left outside the financial system.
As part of the government’s “reset agenda,” he explained that policy direction is guided by a simple but demanding philosophy: a stable economy must translate into improved living conditions, economic growth must create real opportunities, and access to financial systems must ensure that citizens feel respected, valued, and treated fairly.
“In our reset agenda, we are guided by a simple but demanding philosophy. Stability must translate into security for households. Growth must translate into opportunity for individuals. And access must translate into dignity for all.” he said.
He added that the true measure of a country’s economic progress should not be based solely on statistics, but on how well individuals and families are actually faring in their daily lives.
Queen Máxima, in her capacity as UNSGSA, has led global advocacy on financial health by working with governments, central banks, and development partners to promote inclusive financial systems. Her work has included advancing digital financial services, consumer protection, and financial literacy, particularly in emerging economies where vulnerable populations are more exposed to economic and climate-related shocks.
Related Posts
