The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has launched the Cedi@60 initiative, describing it as more than a mere celebration of the currency’s longevity, but a national reflection on Ghana’s economic journey, sovereignty, and future aspirations.
Addressing an audience of dignitaries, including Chief Executives of Banks and Financial Institutions, Development Partners, and members of the diplomatic corps, Dr. Asiama said the commemoration marks both a milestone and a renewed national journey.
“This morning we gather not only to mark a milestone, but to begin a national journey into the past to inform our future,” he said. “The Cedi@60 initiative is more than a celebration of longevity, it is a year-long national engagement that blends public education, policy dialogue, and historical reflection.”
According to the Governor, the year-long programme will involve exhibitions, community forums, lectures, and digital outreach aimed at taking the story of Ghana’s currency to every Ghanaian home, from urban centres to remote towns, and from classrooms to boardrooms.
“For many, the Cedi is something we interact with daily but do not reflect on deeply,” he remarked. “It contains a history of economic shocks, policy reforms, and the aspirations of a sovereign people. This initiative seeks to reconnect citizens, both young and old, with the role of the Cedi in our national story.”
Dr. Asiama emphasized that the Cedi@60 anniversary represents a collective celebration of Ghana’s progress toward economic self-reliance and national confidence, adding that it is a moment for Ghanaians to pause and reflect not only on past achievements but also on what must be protected and advanced.
“This anniversary belongs to all of us,” he stated. “When we celebrate the Cedi, we celebrate our journey toward economic self-reliance and national confidence.”
Recounting Ghana’s monetary history, Dr. Asiama noted that in July 1965, Ghana made a defining statement of economic independence by introducing its own national currency.
“We were not just changing banknotes,” he said. “We were affirming that Ghana’s independence must include the ability to define and defend our own monetary destiny.”
He highlighted that since its introduction, the Cedi has undergone significant transformations including the 1967 re-denomination, which simplified transactions and aligned Ghana’s system with global monetary practices. Over the years, the Bank of Ghana has also introduced security upgrades, commemorative notes, and anti-counterfeiting technologies to strengthen the Cedi’s integrity.
Dr. Asiama concluded that the Cedi@60 celebration is designed to unite all generations of Ghanaians in understanding the currency’s symbolic and practical importance , a story, he said that embodies Ghana’s resilience, innovation, and sovereignty.
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