
Audio By Carbonatix
A member of the Association of Forex Bureaux Operators, Tommy Dari Iddisah has urged the Central Bank to review its recent directives on foreign currency accounts as well as importation of foreign currency among others.Mr Iddisah was speaking on MultiTV’s Current Affairs Program, PM Express, in the wake of an apparent shortage of the dollar for business transactions.The shortage is reported to have been caused by the Central Bank’s bid to address the dollarization of the economy which has led to the fall of the local currency.The General Manager of HFC Bank, Joseph Nketsiah, who was also on the show noted the measures put in place by Bank of Ghana to address the issue, although temporary could have a devastating effect in the long term.
The Bank of Ghana recently blamed the commercial banks for their role in encouraging dollarization of the economy citing specifically, what is termed "externalization" without proper documentation.Externalization is the process where banks credit foreign exchange accounts with proceeds from private sector exports for investments and transactions abroad.Acting Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Kofi Wampah recently said, “These unauthorized externalizations of banks, infringe on regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act and also undermine the Central Bank’s efforts to ensuring judicious use of foreign exchange resources. They constrain supplies of foreign exchange in the market, thereby putting pressure on the domestic currency”But Mr. Nketsiah believes that as long as imports outweigh exports, the situation cannot be reversed. He explains though currency depreciation is an incentive for exporters, the country imports more than exports thus the benefits are not achieved.On the other hand, Mr. Iddisah holds strongly, that over politicization of matters of the economy coupled with lack of proper prioritization has resulted in loss of confidence in the local currency.He added that this could lead to a booming black market activity. Banks and Forex Bureaux have however constantly denied resorting to the Para-market for dollars during shortage.Mr. Nketsiah suggested that the country must go back to rebuilding its import substitution companies to cut down on the volumes of imports.He also asked that policies must be put in place to encourage export volumes and discourage them from hoarding their export proceeds.Meanwhile, the representative of the Forex Bureaux Association, Tommy Iddisah asked for a national agenda to guide stakeholders in prioritizing especially importation to bring the cedi back on track going forward.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
We can tackle multiple priorities – Sam George defends Anti-LGBTQ Bill push
7 minutes -
Statement: Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Response to Claims in Joe Jackson’s “Ananse Stories about the Economy of Ghana”
9 minutes -
GES opens 2026 teacher recruitment for licensed B.Ed graduates
11 minutes -
Ghana must value skilled trades, build resilient learners — Ibn Chambas
19 minutes -
Ghana must rethink education around relevance, resilience and responsibility — Ibn Chambas
22 minutes -
Prince Harry faces defamation lawsuit from charity he co-founded
24 minutes -
South Korea deploys thermal cameras to track escaped zoo wolf
26 minutes -
Calls for royal meeting with Epstein survivors grow ahead of US visit
29 minutes -
Ibn Chambas advocates blend of technology and human values in education
30 minutes -
UMA improves healthcare access in Asutifi North with GH₵700k ‘Kim Taylor Legacy’ Walkway
35 minutes -
Scholarships Authority and Fanaka University offer sponsorship for procurement and supply chain studies
38 minutes -
Bisa Kdei drops new single ‘Go N Look’ featuring Medikal
45 minutes -
Benin facing rising terrorism in north as French military presence faces growing criticism
46 minutes -
UEW Public Lecture Series 2026: Education debate ‘about the soul of Ghana’s future’ — Dr Ibn Chambas
47 minutes -
EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force from today
1 hour