Cedi@60: Celebrating Six Decades of Ghana’s Economic Identity and Resilience
The Ghana cedi — a symbol of the nation’s independence, pride, and perseverance is being celebrated from today, marking 60 years since its introduction as Ghana’s national currency.
The milestone event, dubbed Cedi@60, is being launched in Accra, with President John Mahama as the special guest of honour. Organised by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the celebration goes beyond nostalgia. It serves as a national reflection on the cedi’s journey — from its birth in the early years of independence to its role today as a key pillar of Ghana’s economic sovereignty.
A Currency that Tells Ghana’s Story
When Ghana replaced the British pound with the cedi in 1965, it did more than introduce a new means of exchange — it marked a bold declaration of independence and national pride.
Over six decades, the cedi has seen it all — moments of economic growth and optimism, periods of depreciation and reform, and continuous efforts to maintain confidence and stability in the financial system.
According to the Bank of Ghana, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on 60 years of monetary management, renew public confidence, and highlight the cedi’s enduring role in Ghana’s economic development.
Taking the Celebration Across Ghana
To ensure nationwide participation, the Bank of Ghana has outlined a year-long programme of activities. A Cedi Van Regional Roadshow will tour all sixteen regions, featuring exhibitions, public education, and interactive sessions.
Through this initiative, Ghanaians will learn about clean note handling, key security features of the currency, and the evolution of the cedi — from the days of cowrie shells and the British pound to the modern polymer notes and digital payment systems of today.
The central bank says the roadshow is aimed at bringing the story of the cedi closer to the people who use it daily, fostering a stronger sense of national ownership and pride.
Ghana on the Global Stage
To crown the celebrations, the Bank of Ghana will host an International Currency Conference in Accra. The event will bring together experts from central banks, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of money in an increasingly digital world.
Discussions will centre on the lessons that can be drawn from the cedi’s evolution, and how these experiences can guide emerging economies navigating the fast-changing global financial landscape.
According to the BoG, this international engagement reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to staying innovative and relevant in the evolving world of finance.
Inspiring Confidence and Financial Awareness
Beyond commemoration, the Cedi@60 celebration is a national call to rekindle trust in the local currency. The Bank of Ghana aims to use the occasion to promote financial literacy, helping citizens better understand how monetary policy, inflation, and exchange rates influence their daily lives.
By deepening public awareness and confidence in the cedi, the central bank hopes to strengthen unity around a currency that has carried Ghana’s aspirations, struggles, and achievements for 60 years.
As the celebrations unfold, one message stands clear — the cedi is more than money; it is a reflection of Ghana’s history, resilience, and hope for the future.
