Mobile Money and Financial Inclusion: Evidence From Petty Traders in Ghana's Informal Sector

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of mobile money usage on saving behaviors among petty traders in the Accra Central District of Ghana. We collected primary data through a structured survey and applied probit and logit models to assess factors affecting mobile money use for saving. The results reveal that petty traders with higher monthly incomes are more likely to save for anticipated expenses using mobile money compared to those with lower incomes. Moreover, petty traders aged 15–30 tend to embrace mobile money saving services more than their older counterparts aged 31–50. These patterns suggest that younger petty traders are both curious about and comfortable with new financial technologies. Overall, mobile money users are much more likely to be financially included than non‐users. These findings point to the substantial potential of mobile technology in expanding financial access and promoting inclusion within Ghana's informal sector.