Audio By Carbonatix
The Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says government is working to stabilise the cedi.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen on Monday, Mr. Nkrumah stressed that stabilising the depreciating cedi, "is our focus right now.”
He passed this comment when the host asked if the country would still be in economic crisis if the current government had sought counsel from the opposition National Democratic Congress.
Reacting to this, Mr. Nkrumah said government is not moved to respond to critics who hold the view that the hardship is self-inflicted.
He denied that inflation in the country is domestic driven as stated by the IMF.
“Current challenges are global, if someone wants to politicize it, we won’t comment. Currently, our focus is to stabilise the cedi,” he indicated.
According to him, the idea is to sign a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to finish drafting the 2023 budget, and to receive the Fund.
In the meantime, the cedi continues to fall in value against the US dollar.
The woes of the Ghana cedi continued this morning [Monday] as the local currency depreciated further to sell at ¢15.20 to one US dollar.
This is about 3.4% depreciation in less than a day, after trading this morning, October 24, 2022, at ¢14.70.
Indeed, some analysts and economists had projected a ¢15 to one US dollar by the end of 2022.
It appears the depreciation pressures are unending, as demand for the US dollars far outstrips supply. On the Forex Forward Auction Market, the Bank of Ghana has since the beginning of the year been supply $25 million every fortnight, though demand exceeds over $100 million.
Checks by Joy Business at some leading forex bureaus across the capital city, Accra indicate that the cedi is hovering around ¢15.20.
Earlier in an emergency meeting, the Information Minister stated that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will on Tuesday meet managers of banks and operators of the forex bureau to address the depreciation of the cedi.
The meeting is also supposed to fix what the banks say is the overpricing of the dollar on the market.
The Minister noted that the Economic Management Team is also meeting to apprise itself of some recommendations from Economists after which Cabinet will meet with the President from Thursday to Saturday to receive updates on the IMF negotiations and what the Economic Management Team has put together so far.
According to him, after all, meetings have been held, President Akufo-Addo will then address the nation on measures taken to revive the ailing economy.
He explained that the government is strategising to deal with the speculation around the dollar.
Latest Stories
-
Ebola outbreak poses massive challenges, warns nurse
2 hours -
Bolivian minister’s convoy ambushed while overseeing roadblock clearance
3 hours -
One killed and many feared trapped under collapsed building in Philippines
3 hours -
Trump tells US negotiators ‘not to rush’ into deal with Iran
3 hours -
Conte to leave Napoli a year after winning Serie A
3 hours -
Iraola signs off after writing new Bournemouth chapter
3 hours -
Fifi Folson marks 20 years on air with Thanksgiving Service, launches teen gospel initiative
3 hours -
The moment that broke Guardiola on day a decade of glory ended
3 hours -
Raducanu beaten in French Open first round
3 hours -
Sabalenka cuts media short as French Open players protest
4 hours -
Ghana’s Jada Yankey clocks new personal best at AP Race London International
4 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Berekum Chelsea end season on high with win over Bechem
4 hours -
Alleged shooting of chief’s brother by galamseyers triggers tension at Gwira Ampansie
5 hours -
Livestream: The Probe examines New Decentralisation Policy
5 hours -
Enterprise Insurance pays over GH¢280m in claims in 2025
5 hours