President John Dramani Mahama has described the cedi as more than just a currency, saying it symbolises Ghana’s independence, identity, and the capacity of the state to manage its own monetary affairs.

He made the remarks at the Cedi @ 60 Conference in Accra, a gathering of policymakers, economists, and industry leaders reflecting on six decades of the national currency.

“Not nearly as a unit of account or a medium of exchange, but as a declaration of independence, our identity, and the capacity of our state,” President Mahama said, emphasising that the cedi has anchored monetary policy, shaped expectations of households and businesses, and absorbed domestic, regional, and global shocks over the past 60 years.

The conference comes at a time of rapid change in the global financial landscape, including the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), digital payment systems, and the coexistence of cash, electronic payments, and digital assets.

President Mahama noted that these developments are testing traditional models of monetary policy and placing new responsibilities on central banks as both regulators of money and guardians of trust.

“The world is witnessing the emergence of a hybrid monetary ecosystem…Trust in institutions has become as crucial as technical capacity,” he added, highlighting the importance of confidence in Ghana’s financial institutions amid evolving payment systems and cyber risks.

Organised under the theme Cedi @ 60: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future, the conference seeks to provide a platform for experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in Ghana’s monetary system.

Stakeholders will examine strategies to fortify the cedi, ensure exchange rate stability, and adapt to technological and global shifts in finance.