The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, on July 8, 2025, set in motion the celebration of the Cedi@60 with an internal launch at the Bank Square, the headquarters of the Bank of Ghana.
This year marks sixty years since the introduction of the Cedi in 1965. Its introduction was a bold declaration of economic self-determination – not merely a replacement of the British West African Pound, but a powerful proclamation of Ghana’s sovereign identity in the global financial system. The birth of the Cedi signaled that Ghana was ready to chart its own path in monetary policy and economic governance.
The story of the Cedi is more than a story of currency. It is a story of nation-building, of institutional evolution, of policy reforms, and of resilience. It is also the story of the Bank of Ghana, the institution charged with safeguarding the Cedi, and of the Ghanaian people, whose confidence continues to give our currency its legitimacy.
Over six decades, the Cedi has witnessed multiple transformations: from fixed exchange rate regimes to currency redenominations; from liberalisation to the rise of digital finance. Through every shift, it has reflected the aspirations and challenges of our evolving economy.
The theme of the celebration: “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability and Economic Resilience”
- Sovereignty, because the Cedi is more than a medium of exchange, it is a declaration of our right to steer our own monetary and fiscal future.
- Stability, because a sound currency underpins investor confidence, sustainable growth, and macroeconomic credibility.
- Resilience, because despite economic shocks, global crises, pandemics, and geopolitical shifts, the Cedi has endured, adapted, and prevailed.
We see this theme reflected vividly in the recent performance of the Cedi, which has shown notable strength and stability despite global volatility. This performance is a testament to the sound policies and institutional reforms undertaken in recent years, and to the resilience of our economic fundamentals.
As the issuer and protector of the Cedi, the Bank of Ghana carries the solemn duty to preserve its value and protect public trust. We have strengthened our inflation-targeting framework, enhanced regulatory oversight, and embraced innovation across payment systems. These reforms are the result of the diligence and professionalism of Bank staff, past and present.
Staff Appreciation
Let me use this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all Bank staff, our pioneers, and our retirees… Your dedication and service have been instrumental to Cedi’s enduring strength. You are the stewards of this institution’s legacy.
The six-month celebration
- Official launch of the Cedi@60 Anniversary on August 8th at the Accra International Conference Centre
- Public lectures and policy dialogues on the past, present, and future of Cedi
- Educational outreach to raise awareness, especially among youth
- A historical exhibition tracing the evolution of the currency
- A series of engagements, internally and nationally, culminating in a Currency Conference at the end of the year.
The role of the Cedi in a future shaped by digital finance
Our currency must continue to serve as a trusted store of value, a reliable means of exchange, and a resilient anchor of national identity. The legacy of the Cedi is also a call to action. Let us commit to the mission of preserving its strength, supporting price stability, and advancing inclusive growth. We must ensure that future generations inherit not just a stable currency, but a stronger, more respected economy.
The Cedi is not just a unit of money. It is a symbol of who we are – our independence, our aspirations, and our shared responsibility to build a stronger Ghana.
Long live the Cedi. Long live the Bank of Ghana. Long live the Republic of Ghana.