At the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference in Accra on Tuesday, President John Dramani Mahama underscored the crucial role of nationwide financial education in safeguarding the public and strengthening Ghana’s economic architecture. He argued that a population equipped with financial awareness is better positioned to identify fraudulent schemes, demand transparency, and uphold a resilient monetary environment.
Addressing policymakers, economists, and international delegates, President Mahama said improved financial knowledge must extend beyond urban centres. He called for targeted educational outreach in schools, markets, transport unions, online platforms, and underserved rural areas to ensure that every Ghanaian has the tools to engage confidently with the financial system.
He observed that global shifts are challenging long-standing economic models, adding that trust in institutions has become just as pivotal as technical know-how. This, he insisted, places a heavier responsibility on central banks, which must now serve both as financial regulators and as custodians of public confidence.
Reviewing recent gains in Ghana’s economy, President Mahama cited prudent public spending, stronger revenue collection, and enhanced collaboration between fiscal authorities and the Bank of Ghana as key contributors to renewed stability. He highlighted lower inflation, a calmer exchange rate environment, and improved investor sentiment as evidence of progress. Ghana’s recent credit rating upgrade by S&P from CCC+/C to B–/B with a stable outlook, he said, reflects the benefits of institutional cooperation and policy alignment.
Despite these improvements, the President cautioned that sustained progress depends on consistency and institutional strength. He pledged his government’s full support for preserving the autonomy of the Bank of Ghana, describing central bank independence as vital for economic credibility.
President Mahama urged the bank to scale up advocacy in three priority areas: encouraging the use of the cedi in domestic trade to limit exchange rate vulnerabilities; promoting better handling of currency notes to maintain their quality and extend their circulation; and advancing financial literacy as a tool for consumer protection and trust-building.
He described the 60th anniversary of the cedi as a period of national introspection, noting that a country’s currency embodies a collective commitment to transparency, sound governance, and shared prosperity. The ongoing conference, he added, offers an opportunity to shape future reforms in currency design, payment systems, digital finance, and regulatory policy.
Turning to regional integration, President Mahama highlighted the importance of a seamless payment infrastructure in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Systems such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), he argued, are essential for enabling cross-border trade in African currencies and reducing reliance on foreign intermediaries.
Looking ahead, he said the resilience of the cedi will hinge on disciplined macroeconomic management, technological advancement, responsible use of currency, a robust financial sector, and an impartial central bank. He reaffirmed government’s determination to help the Bank of Ghana uphold public trust and execute its mandate effectively, stressing the need to build an economy that mirrors the ambitions of the Ghanaian people.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
