By: Ashiadey Dotse
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has called on the Bank of Ghana to intensify a nationwide campaign to educate Ghanaians on the importance of using the cedi for all domestic transactions, saying it is key to strengthening the economy and protecting the national currency.
Speaking at the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Mahama said using the cedi in local transactions helps reduce unnecessary exposure to exchange rate risks and supports long-term economic stability.
He explained that Ghana is operating in a period where traditional monetary policy models are being tested globally, making trust in institutions as important as technical expertise. This, he said, places a huge responsibility on central banks to safeguard confidence in the currency.
Despite these gains, President Mahama stressed that sustaining stability requires continued public awareness and responsible currency practices. He urged the Bank of Ghana to scale up national education in three main areas: promoting the use of the cedi in all domestic transactions to strengthen economic stability; improving currency handling practices to reduce printing costs and protect the integrity of banknotes; and enhancing financial literacy so that citizens can prevent fraud, demand accountability, and support a healthy financial system.
He said public education must reach all parts of the country, from schools and markets to transport unions, digital platforms, and rural communities.
He also urged stakeholders to pay attention to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which he said is critical for enabling African businesses to trade using their local currencies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
