As Ghana’s currency, the cedi, marks six decades of circulation, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has launched a six-month-long celebration to honour its evolution and reaffirm the central bank’s commitment to preserving its value.
The internal launch, held at the Bank Square in Accra, saw Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama spotlight the currency’s symbolic importance to national sovereignty and economic resilience.
Speaking at the event, Governor Dr Asiama reassured the public of BoG’s unwavering dedication to protecting the value of the cedi and strengthening public confidence in it. “The Bank has strengthened our inflation-targeting framework, enhanced regulatory oversight, and embraced innovation across payment systems,” he said. These interventions, he added, are not random milestones but the result of consistent policy implementation and institutional reform.
Dr. Asiama credited the Bank’s workforce—past and present—for these achievements. “These reforms are the result of the diligence and professionalism of Bank staff,” he stated, recognizing their contributions in ensuring monetary stability and preserving the cedi’s purchasing power over the decades.
A Future Anchored in Digital Innovation and Continental Trade
Meanwhile, the BoG Governor highlighted four key drivers that will shape the future of Ghana’s currency: digital finance, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), climate change, and global interconnectedness.
He noted that the increasing digitization of financial services presents new opportunities to broaden financial inclusion and improve monetary policy transmission. “We must ensure that future generations inherit not just a stable currency, but a stronger, more respected economy,” Dr. Asiama emphasized.
He also underlined the importance of AfCFTA, which aims to create a single market across Africa, as a game-changer for cross-border trade and financial integration. The central bank, he hinted, is already aligning its strategies to ensure the cedi can play a more influential role in facilitating intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.
Reiterating the Bank’s mission, Dr. Asiama urged BoG staff to recommit to preserving the cedi’s strength. “Let us recommit to the mission of preserving its strength, supporting price stability, and advancing inclusive growth,” he charged. According to him, the value of the cedi is not just a monetary measure but a reflection of the broader economy’s credibility and resilience.
His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing reforms aimed at stabilizing inflation, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and adopting digital payment innovations. These reforms, he explained, are vital in anchoring inflation expectations and ensuring that monetary policy continues to support Ghana’s long-term development.
A Celebration of the Past and a Vision for the Future
The Cedi@60 celebration, under the theme “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability, and Economic Resilience,” seeks to educate, engage, and inspire. Dr. Asiama announced that the official national launch would take place on August 8, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre, featuring high-level dialogues and stakeholder engagement.
Other activities planned throughout the year include:
- Public lectures and policy dialogues reflecting on the past, present, and future of the cedi.
- Educational outreach programs, particularly aimed at the youth, to deepen financial literacy and promote currency awareness.
- A historical exhibition tracing the evolution of the cedi since its introduction in 1965.
- A national currency conference, which will serve as the climax of the celebration, bringing together experts, policymakers, and academics.
In his closing remarks, the Governor paid tribute to BoG’s retirees and pioneers whose dedication laid the foundation for today’s stable monetary environment. “I wish to express my deepest appreciation for all the work done over the years,” he said, adding that their efforts must continue to be honored not only through words but by upholding the legacy they helped build.
The launch of Cedi@60 is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a moment of reflection, a renewal of commitment, and a rallying call for Ghana to protect and project the strength of its national currency as the country embraces new economic frontiers. As digital finance expands and AfCFTA becomes a continental reality, the BoG is positioning the cedi not just as a domestic instrument, but a resilient symbol of Ghana’s economic future.
