The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced a series of national events scheduled to begin on July 19, 2025, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the cedi as Ghana’s official currency. The commemorative programme will run through December 2025 and aims to reflect on the cedi’s historic journey, underscore its economic significance, and promote financial literacy among Ghanaians.
In a statement released on May 13, 2025, the central bank emphasized the milestone as a pivotal opportunity to educate, celebrate, and engage citizens around the importance of monetary stability, the role of digital finance, and the preservation of the cedi’s value and integrity.
“This anniversary offers an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on the history of the cedi, to celebrate the progress made, and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect the value and integrity of the currency,” the Bank of Ghana stated.
A Symbol of Sovereignty and Economic Reform
The Ghanaian cedi was first introduced in 1965, replacing the Ghanaian pound as part of a national drive to assert economic sovereignty. Since its inception, the cedi has stood as a central symbol of Ghana’s financial independence and resilience amid changing global and domestic economic landscapes.
Over the past six decades, the currency has undergone multiple transformations, including re-denominations and digitalization efforts aimed at boosting economic efficiency and fostering inclusive financial systems.
The BoG acknowledged that the currency’s evolution mirrors the nation’s broader economic journey—from early post-independence reforms to recent shifts toward digital innovation and monetary stabilization.
Nationwide Activities to Mark the Milestone
According to the central bank, the 60th anniversary programme will include a wide array of national activities designed to reach all segments of society. The events will begin with an official launch on July 19, 2025, and continue across the country through December 2025.
Planned activities include:
- Public exhibitions showcasing historical milestones of the cedi
- Educational campaigns across schools and institutions
- Stakeholder dialogues on currency management and monetary policy
- Community outreach programmes aimed at increasing awareness about the value of the currency and digital payment systems
These events are not only intended to commemorate history but to foster dialogue on the future of Ghana’s financial system.
“The celebration will serve as a platform to engage the public on the importance of monetary stability and the use of digital financial tools,” the BoG stated.
Reinforcing Monetary Stability and Digital Transformation
One of the core goals of the anniversary celebration is to highlight the importance of protecting the cedi’s value. The Bank of Ghana has consistently urged the public to support policies that promote macroeconomic stability, prudent fiscal management, and a healthy financial sector.
The commemoration also aligns with Ghana’s broader digitalization agenda. In recent years, the BoG has launched several digital financial initiatives, including the pilot of the e-Cedi, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) intended to complement cash and promote financial inclusion.
By engaging the public through these national activities, the Bank aims to encourage a deeper understanding of currency management, promote trust in the monetary system, and strengthen the adoption of digital financial tools in everyday transactions.
Economic Challenges and Currency Resilience
The 60th anniversary also provides an opportune moment to reflect on the challenges the cedi has weathered. From periods of high inflation to external economic shocks and currency depreciation, the cedi’s history is a testament to Ghana’s resilience and adaptability in managing monetary policy.
Over the decades, the currency has seen re-denominations—most notably in 2007, when the “new cedi” (GHS) was introduced at a conversion rate of 10,000 old cedis (GHC) to 1 new cedi (GHS). This move was aimed at simplifying transactions and restoring confidence in the currency.
Despite periodic instability, the central bank has implemented stringent monetary policies, foreign exchange interventions, and other reforms to stabilize the currency and promote economic growth.
Looking Ahead: Public Involvement and Future Announcements
The Bank of Ghana has called on all Ghanaians to participate actively in the upcoming events, describing the anniversary as a shared national milestone.
“The milestone not only marks six decades of monetary transformation but also reinforces the collective responsibility to preserve the value and credibility of the currency,” the statement added.
Further details about specific dates, venues, and regional programmes will be unveiled in the coming weeks. The BoG also hinted at potential collaborative events with financial institutions, government agencies, educational bodies, and community leaders.
As the countdown to July 19 begins, anticipation is building across the country for a celebration that promises not only to honor Ghana’s currency but to chart a course for its future in an increasingly digital and globalized economy.
Africalivenews will continue to bring readers exclusive updates on the cedi@60 celebrations, including interviews with stakeholders, event coverage, and expert analysis on the currency’s role in Ghana’s evolving economy.
