The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the strength and stability of the Ghana Cedi, urging Ghanaians to protect the national currency and desist from pricing goods and services in foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar.
Speaking at the launch of the Cedi@60 celebration in Accra, Dr. Forson described the Ghana Cedi as “the pride of our nation and our heritage,” emphasizing that it has remained a central pillar of Ghana’s sovereignty and economic resilience since its introduction in 1965.
“The Ghana Cedi represents the pride of our nation and our heritage. Since 1965, it has not just been a store of value, but an integral part of our history,” he stated.
He noted that despite cycles of inflation, devaluation, and re-denomination over the years, the Cedi continues to serve as a symbol of Ghana’s endurance and independence.
“For 60 years, through cycles of inflation, devaluation, re-denomination, and recovery, the Cedi remains the symbol of our national sovereignty. It has indeed endured, evolved, and remains the only legal tender of our dear republic,” the Minister said.
Dr. Forson highlighted that the theme for the celebration “Cedi at 60: The Symbol of Our Sovereignty, Stability and Economic Resilience” reflects the currency’s journey and underscores the collective responsibility of citizens and policymakers in safeguarding its value.
He stressed that the government remains dedicated to prudent fiscal management and policy discipline to sustain the Cedi’s recent gains.
“As managers of the economy, we have remained steadfast in our duty to ensure a strong and stable Cedi. Our commitment to fiscal discipline has contributed to the strengthening of the Ghana Cedi, and we shall stay the course to ensure that the gains we have seen are maintained,” he affirmed.
The Finance Minister, however, cautioned against the increasing practice of quoting prices in US dollars, describing it as an act that undermines the Cedi and erodes public confidence in the local currency.
“The continuous pricing of goods and services in US dollars will only hurt us. Let’s stop it, and let’s stop it now,” Dr. Forson warned. The US dollar is not our currency. The Cedi is our only currency. Let us protect it, trade with it, and defend it with all within us.”
Dr. Forson urged all Ghanaians to uphold the “sanctity of the Cedi” by showing respect for the national currency and promoting its use across all sectors of the economy.
“We must maintain the sanctity of the Cedi as a legal tender by preserving it with dignity and protecting it jealously. Let us talk about the Cedi with pride not as a burden, but as a badge of economic independence,” he encouraged.
As Ghana marks 60 years of the Cedi, the Finance Minister called on citizens to rededicate themselves to national development and economic stability.
“As we celebrate 60 years of the Cedi, let us rededicate ourselves to help build the Ghana we want. The Ghana Cedi is our heritage, and it is our pride,” he concluded.
The Cedi@60 celebration, launched by the Bank of Ghana, marks six decades since the introduction of the national currency in 1965, and will feature a year-long programme of exhibitions, lectures, and public engagements to highlight the currency’s evolution and its role in Ghana’s economic history.
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