The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has announced plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Ghana’s official currency, the cedi.

The milestone event is set to be launched on 8th August 2025, with activities designed to celebrate the currency’s resilience and evolution over the past six decades.

Speaking at the Graphic Business Breakfast Meeting in Accra on Tuesday, Dr Asiama underscored the importance of marking the cedi’s journey and reaffirming national confidence in it.

“Let’s make a statement, let’s make a mark for once. When the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, decided to adopt that currency sixty years ago, what he did was right; he meant well. So we invite all of you to join us—let’s make that bold statement once again. It’s our local currency; it is the only legal tender, and so let’s uphold that,” Dr Asiama said.

He urged Ghanaians to develop a renewed appreciation for the cedi and prioritise its use in domestic transactions, rather than defaulting to foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar.

“If we reengineer our thought, I believe the cedi can be as good as any other currency out there,” he added.

The cedi was first introduced on 19th July 1965 by then-President Dr Kwame Nkrumah, replacing the Ghanaian pound, shilling, and pence system as part of Ghana’s transition to decimal currency.

The name ‘cedi’ is derived from the Akan word sidi, meaning cowry shell—a reference to the traditional medium of exchange in pre-colonial West Africa.

The upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations are expected to reflect on the history of the cedi, highlight its role in both national and international development, and promote financial discipline and confidence in the local currency.