President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed commitment to sound monetary governance, institutional credibility and innovation as Ghana celebrates 60 years of the national currency.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, November 18, 2028, President Mahama said the anniversary presents not only a moment of reflection but a strategic opportunity to re-examine the future of Ghana’s monetary system amid rapid global shifts.
President Mahama commended the Bank of Ghana and its partners for convening “a distinguished community of leaders, innovators, policymakers and practitioners” to discuss the evolving landscape of currency management, digital finance and monetary governance.
“The future of money is inextricably linked to the future of national development, institutional credibility and global economic integration,” he said.
Reflecting on Ghana’s monetary history, Mahama noted that the introduction of the Cedi six decades ago was more than a technical exercise, it was a bold assertion of sovereignty and identity.
“Sixty years ago, Ghana took a bold and sovereign step by introducing the Cedi not merely as a unit of account or medium of exchange, but as a declaration of independence. It symbolised our aspiration to govern our own affairs, regulate our markets and stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations,” he stated.
He added that over the years, the Cedi has anchored monetary policy, shaped the expectations of households and businesses, absorbed domestic and external shocks, and embodied the resilience of the Ghanaian people.
President Mahama emphasized the Cedi@60 celebration must serve as a moment of deeper analysis, particularly as global monetary systems undergo rapid transformation.
He referenced the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), expanding digital payment ecosystems, increasing cyber risks, and the renewed importance of cash during times of crisis.
“The world is witnessing the emergence of a hybrid monetary ecosystem where cash, electronic payments and digital assets coexist. In this new paradigm, traditional models of monetary policy are being tested, and trust in institutions has become as crucial as technical capacity,” he stated.
The four-day conference running from November 17-20 brings together local and international experts to examine the past, present and future of Ghana’s currency and its role in national development.
