Cedi@60: BoG Governor Calls for Renewed Commitment to Monetary Independence

Ghana must sharpen efforts to defend the Cedi and safeguard the nation’s monetary independence, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has declared, saying the 60th anniversary of the currency should serve not as a ceremonial milestone but as a national call to protect hard-won economic sovereignty.

Speaking at the Cedi@60 commemoration, themed “Sovereignty, Stability, and Resilience”, held in Accra, he said the anniversary was not just another policy event but a moment for the country to pause and reflect on how far it has come — and what must be done to protect and advance its achievements.

“Let me be clear, this is not just another policy event. It is a moment for Ghana to pause and reflect — not on what we have built so far, but on what we must now protect and advance,” Dr. Addison stated.

“This anniversary belongs to all of us because when we celebrate the Cedi, we celebrate our journey towards economic self-reliance and national confidence,” he said.

The Governor recounted the historic decision in 1965 to replace the Ghanaian Pound with the Cedi — a move he described as a powerful declaration of economic independence and national identity.

“Sixty years ago, Ghana made a powerful declaration. We said farewell to the Ghanaian Pound and introduced the Cedi, our very own national currency. In doing so, we were not just changing banknotes — we were affirming that Ghana’s independence must include the ability to define and defend our own monetary destiny,” he said.

Dr. Addison noted that the Cedi has undergone several transformations since its inception — including redenominations in 1967 and 2007, as well as the introduction of advanced security features, commemorative notes, and indigenous Adinkra symbols.

“Each transformation over the years — from the integration of advanced security features and commemorative notes to the use of indigenous symbols and portraits of our national heroes — reflects Ghana’s story: one of resilience, innovation, and pride,” he remarked.

He added that the Cedi remains far more than just a currency, describing it as a trusted store of value and a daily emblem of Ghana’s collective confidence and determination to shape its own destiny.

“Whether it’s exchanged in bustling markets, used to pay salaries, or saved for future dreams, the Cedi stands as a lasting symbol of our journey and our unyielding commitment to shape our own destiny,” Dr. Addison said.

The Cedi@60 celebration marks six decades since Ghana introduced its national currency, replacing the Ghanaian Pound in 1965 — a milestone symbolising the nation’s enduring pursuit of economic sovereignty and stability.