After years of relentless depreciation, the Ghanaian cedi is staging an unprecedented comeback.
In 2025 alone, it has appreciated by about 44.5% against the U.S. dollar, 33% against the euro, and 35.4% against the British pound—a reversal from its reputation as one of the world’s worst-performing currencies.
Financial consultancy firm Deloitte Ghana, in its new report “Unpacking the Ghana Cedi’s Resurgence,” argues that this rebound is no accident. Rather, it is the result of tighter monetary policy, improved fiscal discipline, stronger exports, and renewed investor confidence under Ghana’s IMF programme.
Yet, while the cedi’s recovery has brought much-needed relief, Deloitte warns that these gains remain fragile without sustained reforms and a disciplined policy environment.
Deloitte identifies several factors that have collectively strengthened the local currency. The Bank of Ghana’s tight monetary policy has kept speculative pressures in check while bolstering investor sentiment. Concurrently, Ghana’s fiscal consolidation efforts have signalled renewed discipline to markets wary of excessive deficits.
Equally significant has been booming export performance, especially in gold and cocoa. Ghana’s reserves position has improved notably thanks to both higher global commodity prices and the Bank of Ghana’s aggressive gold accumulation strategy. This has coincided with a more favourable global backdrop, including a weaker U.S. dollar and commodity price spikes that further supported external balances.
These improvements, Deloitte notes, have contributed to a virtuous cycle of confidence, attracting foreign investors back to Ghana’s bond and equity markets.
A Warning Against Complacency
Despite the encouraging progress, Deloitte’s report is unequivocal: the cedi’s recovery could quickly unravel if reforms stall or policy discipline weakens. Fiscal slippages, unrestrained spending, and a resurgence of external shocks could easily erode the recent hard-won gains.
Accordingly, the firm urges the government to double down on fiscal prudence. This includes broadening the tax base, reducing tax exemptions, and committing to sustainable debt management. “Maintaining fiscal discipline is the only credible path to locking in exchange rate stability and restoring macroeconomic resilience,” Deloitte cautions.
One of the report’s most emphatic recommendations is a call to diversify Ghana’s exports and promote value addition across all sectors. Deloitte argues that the current model—exporting commodities in raw form—merely transfers jobs and income opportunities to foreign markets.
“The Government should invest in initiatives that add value to our primary commodity exports, such as gold, timber, cocoa, and crude oil,” the report advises. Beyond traditional sectors, Deloitte suggests that Ghana accelerate the development of non-traditional exports, including processed goods, IT services, tourism, and manufactured products. By expanding the export base, Ghana can reduce its vulnerability to commodity price swings and create more stable foreign exchange inflows.
Attracting Remittances and Investment
In addition to boosting exports, Deloitte underscores the importance of attracting remittances and foreign direct investment (FDI). Improving investor confidence, strengthening governance, and introducing diaspora-targeted financial instruments could unlock new funding streams.
Deloitte highlights that stronger remittance flows not only supplement household incomes but also bolster reserves, easing pressure on the cedi during external shocks.
To further shore up foreign reserves, Deloitte recommends a comprehensive approach to import substitution, especially in agriculture. By modernising farming practices and supporting domestic production, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imported food and goods that drain foreign exchange.
Moreover, revitalising the agricultural sector has the dual benefit of enhancing rural livelihoods and lowering input costs for local industries.
Energy Sector Reforms and Institutional Strengthening
The report also places a spotlight on energy sector inefficiencies as a major drag on economic stability. Deloitte proposes reforms to reduce the sector’s debt burden, improve efficiency in production and distribution, and lower the cost of power.
“Resolving power-related challenges is critical,” Deloitte warns, “as reliable electricity supply is a prerequisite for the competitiveness of local industries and the success of any export diversification strategy.”
Finally, Deloitte stresses the need to strengthen institutions charged with economic oversight. Transparent interventions by the Bank of Ghana and independent regulation will build the credibility necessary to weather future storms.
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