A team of Bank of Ghana (BoG) officials led by Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has paid a day’s visit to the Central Business District (CBS) Makola in Accra, to interact with traders and buyers.
The team also included the Deputy Governor Dr Zakari Mumuni and other Bank staff to the popular market where the governor discussed activities and wellbeing of the national currency, the Cedi, promoting awareness and appreciation of same.
He urged traders and the general public to handle the banknotes with utmost care. “Do not squeeze the Cedi, do not crumple the Cedi, do not write on it, and always keep your money in a purse, wallet, or aprons”.
The rare visit aimed to boost public confidence in the currency and support the Cedi@60 educational campaign.
In a social media post, Dr Asiama stressed the importance of a currency especially the Cedi saying it is more than just a paper. “It carries pride, discipline, and spirit of a people. The national currency he indicated “reflects our identity— and how we handle it reflects how we value ourselves.
The visit on Friday November 21, forms part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the national currency, the Cedi, climaxing a month long celebration. It is the second time this year, a high profile government officials are visiting the market.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ato Forson, paid a similar visit to Makola to gauge the mood and learn at first hand the expectations of traders and challenges they face ahead of his first budget reading.
He was accompanied by officials of the Ministry including his deputy Ampem Darko.
Additionally about two weeks ago, the same team visited the Takoradi Market Circle Market to interact with traders. During the visit, traders welcomed government policies which they said have reduced the pressure on the Cedi leading to general reduction in prices of goods.
While mobbing Dr Forson, the traders commended him and the government for working hard to stabilize the Cedi.
By Gifty Boateng