Exploring the potential of mobile money for financial inclusion for socially deprived groups in northern region in Ghana : A case of nomadic herdsmen in Savelugu district

Ghana like most developing countries has witnessed an increased growth in the number of mobile phone users over the last few years. This has led to the increasing adoption and use of mobile money services (Aker and Mbiti 2010, Donovan 2012a). Mobile money is argued to have significantly increased access to basic financial services to the unbanked (ibid). This paper examines the accessibility and use of mobile financial services by nomadic Fulani herdsmen in northern Ghana. Findings from this research indicate that mobile money financial services are facilitating a convenient means for the Fulani to make payments and transfer money. Evidence from this finding are also indicative that mobile money financial services to a certain degree if not wholly is supplementing in its provision of financial services to the socially deprived Fulani. From in-depth face to face interviews and mobile money service providers at the community, this study presents an empirical data to their access and use of financial services provided by the new mobile money technologies. And discussed how they use this technology for their day to day management. It also highlights in what ways their social deprivation has restricted their full utilization the services it offers.