The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has reiterated that the Ghanaian cedi remains the country’s only legal tender and has urged business
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has reiterated that the Ghanaian cedi remains the country’s only legal tender and has urged businesses and the general public to desist from pricing goods and services in US dollars.
Speaking at the launch of the cedi’s 60th anniversary celebration in Accra, Dr Forson described the growing trend of dollar-denominated transactions as harmful to the national economy and a direct threat to the stability of the local currency.
“Let me use this opportunity to once again stress that as Ghanaians, the Ghana cedi remains the only legal tender. The US dollar is not our currency; the cedi is our only currency,” he stated.
He explained that the persistent use of the dollar for local transactions increases exchange rate pressures and erodes confidence in the economy.
“The continued pricing of goods and services in the US dollar will only hurt us. Let’s stop it, and let us stop it now,” he cautioned.
The minister called on citizens, traders, and institutions to show patriotism by reinforcing the use of the cedi in everyday economic activity.
“The cedi is the only currency we have. Let us protect it, let us trade with it, and let us defend it with all vim. Let us speak of the cedi with pride, not as a burden,” Dr Forson urged.