Governor Asiama Urges Steady Leadership as Global Shifts Redefine the Future of Money
By Nii Trebi Hammond
As Ghana marks six decades of the Cedi, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama has called for steady and coordinated leadership to guide the country through fast-evolving global financial dynamics that are reshaping how citizens earn, save, and transact.
Delivering remarks at the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference in Accra, Dr Asiama highlighted the urgent need for strategic clarity as digital payments, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), tokenised instruments, and artificial intelligence transform the global monetary system.
“Across the world, the landscape of money is shifting. Digital payments continue to reshape behaviour and expand access. Jurisdictions are advancing their thinking on CBDCs and tokenised instruments, raising new considerations around trust, interoperability, and privacy.
“Advances in artificial intelligence are redefining authentication, security, and lifecycle management. At the same time, global uncertainty, geopolitical realignments, and technology dependence all create new vulnerabilities for economies like ours,” he said.
According to the Governor, these rapid developments are no longer abstract concepts but real changes influencing the daily financial lives of Ghanaians. He stressed that the country requires “steady leadership, clarity in strategy, and stronger coordination across institutions” to protect the Cedi and strengthen financial resilience.
Reflecting on the 60-year journey of the national currency, Dr Asiama noted that the Cedi has long been more than a medium of exchange, describing it as a companion in the markets, homes, farms, and small enterprises that form the backbone of the economy.
Looking to the future, he observed that the next generation of Ghanaians will engage with money in entirely new ways, expecting speed, transparency, and convenience from financial systems.
In response to these expectations, the Bank of Ghana continues to advance its payments modernisation program and pilot the eCedi, initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion while ensuring security and efficiency.
The Cedi@60 International Currency Conference has brought together central bank leaders, academics, and technology experts to examine the evolving nature of money and explore the policies required to safeguard the Cedi in an increasingly digital world.
