By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
Kumasi Aug. 10 GNA – The launch of the National Virtual Assets Literacy Initiative (NaVALI), will be one of the greatest drivers of economic transformation both nationally and globally.
Professor Humphrey Danso, Dean of School of Graduate Studies, of University of Skill Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), who stated this, said the initiative would also place the country in a chapter of responsible innovation, while strengthening consumer protection, financial integrity and public confidence.
Prof. Danso was speaking at the Ashanti regional launch of NaVaLI, held at USTED.
The launch, which was jointly organised by Bank of Ghana (BOG) and Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana was on the theme “Understand before You Undertake.”
The launch was aimed at increasing awareness of the risks of the use of virtual assets, ensuring informed and lawful appropriate participation in virtual assets, dealing with licensed channels and safeguards against financial deception, among others.
Prof. Danso said the initiative was shaping individual savings, transact, invest, trade, innovate and conduct business across borders.
He said that NaVALI would equip every Ghanaian with the knowledge required to make informed decisions in an increasing digital financial environment.
“If you choose not to participate, that decision should be based on understanding rather than misunderstanding”, he said.
He added that the responsibility of universities was not only producing graduates but also producing digitally responsible citizens.
“We must produce professionals capable of leading Ghana through the fourth industrial revolution with competence and responsibility”.
Prof. Danso said financial technology continued to reshape banking, payments, insurance, agriculture logistics and manufacturing.
He was hopeful that the students would graduate into this rapidly changing world.
Mr. Owureku Asare, Director, Fintech and Innovation Department, Bank of Ghana, said NaVALI was a landmark Programme that signaled Ghana’s deliberate responsible and forward-looking approach to the regulation and use of virtual assets.
He added that, legislation was not enough, but citizens must also understand the environment that they were expected to participate and be part of the bandwagon.
He said NaVALI launch would ensure that students, entrepreneurs and businesses change the economy in the next generation and promote education and awareness.
He called on Ghanaians to support the effective policy development of the program.
Mr Asare also said NaVALI would ensure a resilient financial echo-system regime with informed participants.
Mr. Mensah Thompson, Deputy Director, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana, said virtual assets were made across boards in seconds and transactions depended on trust and accountability.
He said informed decisions werewere crucial to prevent unnecessary risks coupled with transparency in a well–regulated manner.
He said a wwell–regulated virtual sector could create opportunities for decent,, high value jobs.
He said it also deepened the country’s capital market and called on traditional authorities and community leaders to also support the initiative.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
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