Here is a comprehensive financial historical report of Ghana, in International English, as requested:
Country ISO Code: GH
Official Language: English
Language ISO Code: en
Current Official Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
Currency ISO Code: GHS
Before formal currency introduction, trade in the region was conducted through barter and use of gold dust as a medium of exchange.
During British colonial rule, the British West African pound was the official currency, pegged to the British pound sterling.
Ghana introduced its own currency, the Ghanaian pound, in 1958, replacing the British West African pound at par.
The Ghanaian pound was subdivided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence, following the British sterling system.
This currency was issued by the Bank of Ghana, established in 1957.
In 1965, Ghana replaced the Ghanaian pound with the Ghanaian cedi at a rate of 2.4 cedis = 1 pound.
The cedi was subdivided into 100 pesewas.
The first cedi was issued by the Bank of Ghana and featured images of national leaders and cultural symbols.
Over time, inflation eroded the value of the first cedi, leading to currency reforms.
In 2007, Ghana introduced a redenominated cedi, where 10,000 old cedis became 1 new cedi (GHS).
The redenomination aimed to simplify transactions and restore confidence in the currency.
The Bank of Ghana remains the sole issuer of the currency.
Singular Name: cedi
Plural Name: cedis
Subdivision: 1 cedi = 100 pesewas
Issuing Bank: Bank of Ghana
Common Coin Denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 pesewas; 1 cedi
Common Banknote Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 cedis
Coins and banknotes feature prominent Ghanaian figures, national symbols such as the Black Star, and cultural motifs.
Banknotes bear signatures of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and the Minister of Finance.
The currency designs emphasize Ghana’s heritage, independence, and economic aspirations.
Ghana has experienced periods of inflation, currency devaluation, and economic reforms impacting the cedi’s value.
The 2007 redenomination was a key step in stabilizing the currency and simplifying financial transactions.
The Bank of Ghana actively manages monetary policy to control inflation and promote economic growth.
The Bank of Ghana periodically issues new series of banknotes and coins with enhanced security features.
Commemorative coins and notes have been released for national celebrations and milestones.
The Ghanaian cedi is the official currency and is actively used for all commercial and financial transactions in Ghana.
It remains the sole legal tender in the country.
This report provides a detailed overview of Ghana’s monetary history, from colonial currencies to the current Ghanaian cedi, highlighting its evolution and current status.