Audio By Carbonatix
The recent weakening of the Ghana Cedi against major international currencies is a "normal correction" following an "aggressive" appreciation earlier in the year, economist Professor Godfred Bokpin has said.
The Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School further allayed fears, assuring that there was no cause for alarm during an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show today, September 16.
Prof. Bokpin stated that the situation is "not out of control" and there is no need to panic.
He explained that the Cedi's rapid gains in the first half of the year had "jumped the gun" and gone "far ahead of the recovery."
He noted that such a swift appreciation, disconnected from broader structural transformation in the economy's real sector, was bound to lead to a correction.
He pointed out that the Cedi's performance in the first half of 2025 was unprecedented.
For instance, by the end of June 2025, the Cedi had appreciated by an astonishing 42.6% against the US Dollar, 30.3% against the British Pound, and 25.6% against the Euro.
This marked a significant reversal from the same period in 2024, where the Cedi had depreciated by 18.6%, 17.9%, and 16.0% respectively.
Prof. Bokpin's analysis comes amid positive, though nuanced, economic indicators.
Provisional data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows that the Ghanaian economy grew by 6.3% in the second quarter of 2025, a notable increase from the 5.7% recorded in the same period last year.
The growth, he explained, is "broadening" and not limited to a few sectors.
However, he cautioned that this growth is still coming from a "state of low productivity" and is not yet driving a "structural transformation."
He acknowledged the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as the main contributor to the second-quarter growth, expanding by a robust 21.3%.
On the inflation front, the country has seen a remarkable decline.
Prof. Bokpin highlighted the "sharp deceleration" of inflation from a high of 23.8% at the end of December 2024 to 11.5% by the end of August 2025.
This marks the eighth consecutive month of decline and is the lowest inflation rate recorded since October 2021.
He noted that the speed of this disinflationary trend in 2025 is a testament to the effectiveness of government strategies, particularly on the fiscal side.
According to Prof. Bokpin, the Cedi's aggressive appreciation had fuelled speculative activity, which is now being corrected.
He noted that the Bank of Ghana has been "stepping strongly" to ensure the currency's stability.
He concluded by reiterating his view that the Cedi will eventually stabilise as the government continues to build on the platform of fiscal stability and strong disinflation.
The current situation, he emphasised, is a natural consequence of market dynamics rather than a sign of a failing economy.
Latest Stories
-
Police receive plaudits for reducing ‘landguardism’ in parts of Greater Accra
11 minutes -
IMF programme and strong fiscal–monetary coordination driving Ghana’s stability — Prof. Peter Quartey
13 minutes -
Kamal-Deen accuses government of constitutional breach over troop deployment to Jamaica
17 minutes -
2026 World Cup: Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi will ‘bring chaos’ to Black Stars – Derek Boateng
25 minutes -
11 Nigerian soldiers freed after 10-day detention in Burkina Faso -Ministry
30 minutes -
Livestream: Joy Business Review 2025
40 minutes -
Interior Minister opens Upper West Regional Police Headquarters
49 minutes -
AFCON 2025: Top 10 stars set to light up Morocco
1 hour -
AG to update Ghanaians on Ofori-Atta case, cybercrime recoveries today
1 hour -
Republic bank staff wins GHC 100,000 MTN mobilemoney “Still Me Nsaka” promo
1 hour -
MTN Mobile Money to undergo nationwide agent re-registration in 2026 to curb fraud
1 hour -
GNFS to launch nationwide vehicle fire-extinguisher compliance drive
1 hour -
AFCON 2025: The best arrival photos ahead of tournament commencement
1 hour -
First Atlantic Bank PLC marks major milestone with oversubscribed IPO and upcoming GSE listing
2 hours -
Trade Minister meets tomato traders and transporters to resolve the sector’s challenges
2 hours
