Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially launched the 60th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Cedi, urging Ghanaians to protect and promote the national currency as a symbol of economic sovereignty, stability, and resilience.

The event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was themed “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability and Economic Resilience.”

It brought together dignitaries, including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, members of the diplomatic corps, financial sector leaders, and academia.

In his keynote address, the Vice President reflected on the historic and symbolic significance of the Cedi, tracing its origins to July 1965 when it replaced the Ghanaian pound, pence, and shillings — a bold move by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to free Ghana’s economy from colonial structures.

“The Cedi, derived from the cowry shell that once served as currency for centuries, signalled that our history did not begin with colonisation.

Independence and sovereignty may be found in our ability to express value and transact on our own terms,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said.

She emphasised that the Cedi represents a social contract between citizens and institutions, reflecting confidence in the nation’s economy.

She noted that macroeconomic stability should not be seen as an abstract concept but as one that directly impacts quality of life, affecting farmers, students, households, and businesses alike.

The Vice President highlighted Ghana’s economic recovery, citing data that places the Cedi among the best-performing currencies globally in early 2025.

“According to Bloomberg, the Ghana Cedi — once described as the worst performing currency in 2022 — has now become the best performing currency globally.

Inflation has dropped from 54.1% to 9.4%, and our gross international reserves exceed 12 billion dollars,” She announced.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the Bank of Ghana’s policy direction and reforms, crediting the leadership of Dr. Asiama and the Ministry of Finance for restoring market confidence.

She also acknowledged innovations such as the regulation of Virtual Asset Service Providers, promotion of fintech, and the development of the eCedi, Ghana’s digital currency.

However, she cautioned that trust in the Cedi must be maintained through disciplined fiscal management and institutional integrity.

“Government must lead by example — no more reckless borrowing or surging deficits that pass today’s problems to tomorrow’s generations.

Every loan must be tied to a return, and every Cedi spent must yield corresponding value,” she stressed.

The Vice President also called for the protection of the Cedi’s legal tender status, noting the increasing practice of quoting goods and services in foreign currencies.

“If you earn in Cedis, you must be able to transact in Cedis,” she asserted.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged all sectors — government, parliament, private businesses, academia, and the media — to work collectively to sustain confidence in the currency and promote financial literacy across society.

Looking ahead, she underscored the importance of digital financial inclusion, ensuring that innovations like the eCedi benefit all Ghanaians, including those in rural and marginalised communities.

“As we embrace financial innovation, we must ensure that the benefits of digital finance reach everyone.

The strength of the Cedi is both in what it buys and what it represents,” she added.

Concluding her address, the Vice President paid tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the early Governors of the Bank of Ghana, and generations of technocrats and citizens who have contributed to Ghana’s economic journey over the past six decades.

“The Cedi has been a symbol of national identity, resilience, and aspiration for 60 years.

May the Cedi endure, and may God bless our homeland Ghana,” she declared.