By John Koroma
Leading mobile money service provider, Afrimoney, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, launched a Next-of-Kin Service to make it easier for families and designated individuals to access information and deal with funds held in an Afrimoney account when a subscriber dies or becomes incapacitated.
The new service allows subscribers to nominate a next of kin, whose details can be used to facilitate communication and information-sharing regarding the account. Afrimoney is urging customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information and provide accurate next-of-kin details instead of leaving the section blank.
Speaking at the launch, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Martison Obeng-Agyei, said the initiative was introduced in response to increasing questions from customers and institutions about what happens to funds in a mobile money wallet when the account holder is no longer able to manage it.
He stressed that nominating a next of kin does not automatically give that person the right to withdraw or inherit the funds, adding that, appropriate documentation and verification must be completed before any funds can be released.
According to him, cases involving death may require documents such as a death certificate and evidence of family relationship, while incapacitation may require relevant medical documentation, stating further that, where wills, estate administration or other legal processes apply, those procedures must also be followed.
“The wallet is your cash. It is also almost like your bank account,” Mr. Obeng-Agyei said, emphasizing the importance of having accurate customer information and a designated person who can be contacted when a subscriber is unavailable.
He urged customers to ensure that their names, dates of birth, addresses and other identification details are correctly captured, warning against allowing others to register accounts in their names or using inaccurate information.
Customers can update their details by dialing *161#, selecting Option 8 – My Account, and then Option 6 – Update Details. They can also visit Afrimoney points of sale for assistance.
Mr. Obeng-Agyei advised subscribers to nominate someone aged 18 or above and to update their next-of-kin information whenever their circumstances change.
He said the initiative was not prompted by any specific dispute or litigation involving Afrimoney, but by the need to improve the process and provide greater assurance to customers and their families.
The CEO further noted that dormant or unclaimed funds may, under existing regulatory requirements, eventually be transferred to the Central Bank after the prescribed period.
The Next-of-Kin Service, he said, is therefore intended to simplify and shorten the process of dealing with mobile money accounts while ensuring that all necessary legal and regulatory requirements are respected.
