Today, October 28, President John Dramani Mahama and Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), will officially launch the Cedi@60 celebration, a landmark moment for Ghana’s economic sovereignty.
Under the theme “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability, and Economic Resilience,” the event commemorates not only the Cedi’s history but also Ghana’s enduring spirit of resilience and progress.
A Brief History: From Independence to Economic Identity
On July 19, 1965, Ghana replaced the British pound with its own currency the Cedi, marking a defining milestone in the nation’s economic independence.
Over the past six decades, the Cedi has evolved through reforms, redesigns, and policy innovations, each chapter reflecting Ghana’s determination to build a stable and self-sustaining economy.
From its early days backed by cocoa reserves to today’s role in a tech-driven financial landscape, the Cedi has stood as a symbol of pride, adaptability, and progress.
Why Cedi@60 Matters
The Cedi@60 anniversary goes beyond ceremony, it’s a moment for reflection, education, and national dialogue.
This milestone aims to:
- Commemorate six decades of monetary sovereignty and economic transformation.
- Educate the public about currency security, proper handling, and the importance of monetary policy.
- Engage Ghanaians across all regions through inclusive, community-centered activities.
- Inspire national pride and confidence in Ghana’s financial future.
- Promote financial literacy and support the Bank of Ghana’s Clean Note Campaign.
In an era where mobile money, fintech, and digital transactions are reshaping the economy, Cedi@60 is also a call to strengthen financial awareness and ensure policy integrity for the next generation.
Highlights of the Celebration
The Bank of Ghana has outlined several flagship activities to make the Cedi@60 celebration both informative and inspiring:
- National Launch Ceremony (Today):
Held at the Accra International Conference Centre, featuring President Mahama, the BoG Governor, and leading voices in finance and development. - Cedi Van Regional Roadshow:
A nationwide outreach bringing exhibitions, financial education, and the Cedi’s historical journey to local communities. - Public Education Campaigns:
Awareness drives on currency care, security features, and the Cedi’s evolution since independence. - International Currency Conference:
A global forum featuring central bank leaders, academics, and private-sector experts to discuss financial resilience and innovation. - Youth Competitions:
Music, art, essay, and quiz contests designed to spark young Ghanaians’ curiosity about financial literacy and national identity.
The Bigger Picture: A Cedi for the Future
As Ghana celebrates 60 years of the Cedi, the focus extends beyond nostalgia it’s about re-imagining the future of money in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to mobile-money innovations, Ghana continues to lead in financial inclusion and fintech adoption. Cedi@60 is not just a look back it’s a vision forward.