Audio By Carbonatix
Executive Chairman of AB & David Law, David Ofosu-Dorte, has raised concerns about the potential for large-scale dollar dumping in Ghana's financial markets as the cedi continues its recent appreciation against the US currency.
The warning comes amid mixed reactions to the pace of economic adjustments following the cedi's recovery.
Speaking during an analysis segment on the Joy FM Super Morning Show on Tuesday, May 27, Mr Ofosu-Dorte noted:
"I have a certain fear – if the dollar goes below a certain point, it may lead to a dumping of the dollar by financial institutions who hold large dollar reserves. We need to identify a stabilisation point to prevent market disruption."
The cedi has recorded a remarkable performance against major international trading currencies, particularly a 22% appreciation since January 2024.
Inflation, on the other hand, remains sticky at 23% despite the currency gains, with a growing disparity between exchange rate improvement and commodity prices.
At the moment, most commercial banks are maintaining adequate dollar buffers, with a reported 40% drop in dollar demand since March.
Importers are also cautiously optimistic but maintaining dollar positions.
Economists advise gradual dollar conversion rather than panic selling, warning that abrupt moves could undermine recent gains.
Meanwhile, Mr Ofosu-Dorte is proposing structural reforms for deeper economic transformation.
"We always talk about the fundamental changes we need in our economy. Our dependence on imports remains problematic. While boosting exports and manufacturing may reduce import dependency, I didn't hear specific details on how this will be achieved," he commented on President John Dramani Mahama’s eight-point reset agenda shared at a summit the previous day.
The analyst identified three critical gaps in current economic discussions, outlining a mindset change, policy consistency, and stabilisation framework.
"What are we doing to change our attitudes as a people? When the dollar rises, we immediately adjust prices upward, but when it falls, we resist downward adjustments. This is an attitudinal issue in how we buy and sell," he said.
He added,” I prefer policy approaches over compulsion, but we need strategies that instil discipline without IMF intervention every seven years."
"The Governor mentioned the need for stability, which is good. But we need clear parameters to prevent volatile market reactions."
Latest Stories
-
Trade Ministry commends Prisons Service for using art to drive inmate rehabilitation
20 minutes -
Books, brushes and second chances: Dr Abena Asomaning launches three titles to support prison outreach
27 minutes -
Treasury bill auction oversubscribed by 53.5% as yields fall across maturities
29 minutes -
NPP warns aspirants premature campaigning could jeopardise eligibility for primaries
35 minutes -
Ghana courts investors in Bangkok after exit from $3bn IMF bailout
40 minutes -
8 arrested over alleged internet fraud initiation assault in Bono Region
44 minutes -
BoG proposes 30-day liquidity buffer requirement for banks
51 minutes -
BoG plans reviews of banks’ cybersecurity compliance
57 minutes -
GRA cautions taxpayers against attacking tax officials
1 hour -
Invest Ghana Summit to drive value addition, industrialisation
1 hour -
Sports Ministry denies involvement in World Cup visa scandal, calls for probe
1 hour -
Ghana earns top US ranking in fight against human trafficking
1 hour -
Education Minister commends teacher unions for suspending nationwide strike
1 hour -
‘Farmers Services Centres to be game changer for Ghana’s agriculture’ – Mahama
2 hours -
WIWIK launches new leadership development pathway for Ghanaian university students
2 hours