President Mahama Opens Cedi @ 60 Conference, Highlights Ghana’s Economic Resilience and Currency Progress
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday officially opened the Cedi @ 60 International Currency Conference in Accra, describing the gathering as “a historic assembly of leaders, innovators, policymakers and practitioners whose work influences the past, present and future of money.”
In his keynote address, President Mahama commended the Bank of Ghana and the currency research team for convening “such a distinguished community to discuss the evolving framework for currency management, monetary governance and digital finance.”
Reflecting on the significance of Ghana’s national currency, the President noted that the cedi, introduced 60 years ago, was “not merely a unit of account or a medium of exchange, but as a Declaration of Independence, our identity and the capacity of our state.” He added, “Over 60 years now, the cedi has anchored the conduct of our monetary policy. It has shaped the expectations of households and businesses, absorbed shocks—domestic, regional and global—and symbolized the resilience of the Ghanaian economy and the Ghanaian people.”
President Mahama emphasized that the conference is both a celebration and a moment for analysis. “It is a chance to consider what our currency stands for, how it has developed and how it must be fortified for the years ahead,” he said.
Highlighting Ghana’s recent economic gains, the President pointed to “macroeconomic stabilization through disciplined fiscal consolidation, increased domestic revenue mobilization, prudent expenditure rationalization, and better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities,” which have helped restore balance and reduce uncertainty.
He also acknowledged improvements in the cedi’s performance, saying, “Improved Forex liquidity management, enhanced reserve buffers, and regulatory reforms have contributed to significant exchange rate stability, which is critical for business planning, investment decisions and public confidence.”
Noting Ghana’s strengthened economic credibility, President Mahama highlighted that “Ghana’s sovereign rating by S&P was upgraded recently from CCC+ to B- with a stable outlook on 7th November 2025. This is an affirmation that our fundamentals are strengthening and that we’re on a clear path of recovery.”
On the independence of the Bank of Ghana, the President was unequivocal: “A strong and autonomous central bank is essential for anchoring inflation expectations, maintaining exchange rate stability, enhancing investor and market confidence, and ensuring long-term policy credibility. This is not a matter of personal preference. It is an economic necessity.”
President Mahama further urged the Bank of Ghana to enhance nationwide public education, focusing on promoting the use of the cedi, improving currency handling practices, and strengthening financial literacy across all sectors of society. “An informed citizenry is better able to prevent fraud, demand accountability, and bolster the financial ecosystem,” he said.
On Ghana’s role in regional finance, the President highlighted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), emphasizing its potential in facilitating seamless trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Concluding his address, President Mahama declared: “As we commemorate the cedi at 60, let us commit ourselves to shaping a currency and an economy that reflects the hopes and aspirations of our people… It is now my singular honor to declare the Cedi @ 60 International Conference duly opened.”
