Hi everyone. My name is Emmanuel Akrong, Founder and CEO of CedisPay. Today, I want to share with you the story behind my deep passion for financial wellbeing, inclusion, and why I founded CedisPay. This isn’t just a professional mission—it’s a personal journey of transformation through pain, resilience, and the power of purpose.

A Life Shaped by Adversity

My story began in poverty. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how financial instability impacts everything—health, opportunity, and the future. It wasn’t just the external struggles—it was the internal feeling that no matter how hard I worked, I was always a step behind. This cycle of financial uncertainty was all too familiar in my community, and it often felt like I would never break free.

But everything changed in 2018. I lost my wife and son in a tragic accident, and soon after, I lost my job. In those moments, grief, confusion, and loss seemed unbearable. Yet, rather than being crushed by these events, they pushed me to search for something bigger than my pain, something that could not only help me rise but help others rise too. I knew I had to transform this darkness into something meaningful.

A Life-Changing Message

During this dark time, my coach reached out—not with empty words of sympathy, but with a challenge: “Do something impactful. Do something that will honor the memory of your wife and son.” That message struck me deeply. I thought about my life, my purpose, and what I wanted to leave behind. It was then that I picked up Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl—a book that taught me that purpose is not about surviving hardship, but finding meaning in it and using it to fuel growth.

At that moment, I made a decision: I wouldn’t allow myself to stay stuck in pain. Instead, I would channel that pain into something bigger than myself. That’s when CedisPay was born—not just as a financial services company, but as a movement for financial wellbeing, inclusion, and empowerment.

Turning Pain into Purpose

After the tragic loss of my family, I received a significant life insurance payout. Many would have squandered it. But I chose a different path. I paid off my debts, invested wisely, and began building CedisPay—a platform for empowerment. Studies show that nearly a third of lottery winners declare bankruptcy within a few years. But I was determined to break that cycle.

At CedisPay, we offer more than financial tools. We offer a platform for mindset transformation, helping people break free from financial struggle, build lasting habits, and create lives of purpose. This is what drives us.

The Battle Between Comfort and Growth

Starting this new journey was hard. I learned that while our bodies crave comfort, our souls are made for growth. Comfort keeps us stagnant; growth requires discomfort. It means waking up early, resisting instant gratification, and confronting our fears. Transformation doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

It’s not easy—but it’s worth it. Whether it’s improving finances, health, or any area of life, the real transformation happens when we choose growth over comfort, even when it’s difficult.

Unlocking Financial Success Through Human Nature

I’ve learned that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding human nature and how it shapes our decisions. By aligning our habits, mindset, and behaviors with our financial goals, we unlock lasting success. Here's how you can do that:
• Overcome Instant Gratification: Automate savings and focus on long-term goals
• Celebrate Small Wins: Break big goals into smaller steps and celebrate progress
• Build Wealth-Building Habits: Start small, stay consistent, and use tools like the CedisPay App
• Harness Accountability: Share your goals with trusted partners or join a financial community
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and transform
• Reward Progress Wisely: Celebrate milestones without derailing your budget
• Create a Legacy: Invest in your family, education, and long-term goals

7 Steps to Unlocking Personal Growth

Now, let me share with you the 7 steps that guided me on my journey to transformation. Whether you’re aiming for financial freedom, health, or personal growth, these steps will help you unlock your full potential:
• Start with Mindset: Believe that change is possible. Mindset is the foundation for everything.
• Define Clear Goals: Get specific about what success looks like for you.
• Break Goals into Tasks: Big goals are overwhelming—make them manageable.
• Create a Structured Plan: Develop a clear, actionable plan with timelines and milestones.
• Take Consistent Action: Show up every day and take action toward your goals.
• Set Up Accountability: Use partners or tools to keep you on track.
• Reflect, Adjust, and Celebrate Wins: Growth is a journey. Reflect, adjust, and celebrate every win.

The Power of Mindset and Habits

Our financial struggles often reflect our mindset. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about how we see ourselves, how we believe we deserve to live, and how we approach challenges. Personal finance is about mastering our mindset and habits, and that’s where true transformation happens.

When we commit to setting clear goals, breaking them into steps, and taking consistent action, we can change the trajectory of our lives. It’s not about the paycheck—it’s about creating the mindset that drives long-term success.

Empowering a New Generation of Change-Makers

This is the mission behind CedisPay: to create a platform that empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures, develop a growth mindset, and build the habits necessary for lasting success. It’s about rising above challenges and using our experiences to help others do the same. At CedisPay, we believe that financial inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about creating a culture of empowerment where everyone has the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.

The CedisPay Mission: Empowering Financial Freedom

CedisPay was born from a place of deep personal loss and profound transformation. We’re not just a financial services company—we’re a movement. Our mission is to help people break free from the cycle of financial struggle, build healthy financial habits, and create lives filled with purpose. We believe in empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures, and we’re committed to making financial wellbeing, inclusion, and literacy accessible to everyone.

CedisPay’s Vision: A Path to Transformation

At CedisPay, we provide more than just financial services—we offer tools, resources, and knowledge that enable people to make informed decisions about their money. Whether it’s eliminating debt, saving for the future, or simply learning how to manage finances effectively, we’re here to guide people every step of the way.

My commitment to this cause is deeply personal. Every setback I’ve faced has driven me to be more determined to help others overcome their own financial challenges. At CedisPay, we’re here to change lives, not just numbers

The Future of Financial Wellbeing

The path to financial freedom and wellbeing is not always easy, but it is always possible. It starts with the right mindset, a clear plan, and the tools to execute it. That’s what we’re building at CedisPay—a platform that equips individuals with everything they need to take control of their financial destinies.

Thank you for listening to my story. I hope it inspires you to take charge of your own journey toward financial wellbeing. Together, we can unlock the potential for transformation, one life at a time.

The Call to Action

So, I invite you to take the first step toward mastering your financial wellbeing, your mindset, and your habits. It doesn’t matter where you start, but it’s important to start. Whether you’re paying off debt, building savings, or investing in your future—the time to act is now. CedisPay is here to support you in that journey. Thank you.