It appears Ghanaians have still not come to terms with the new currency after seven months of its existence.
While the sub units that come in coins, called "Ghana pesewa (Gp)" are still being quoted in the equivalent of the old cedi by many Ghanaians during business transactions, the new notes, christened "Ghana cedi" are also being quoted in the old currency.
Actually, GH¢1 is still being referred to as ¢10,000, likewise the GH¢5, despite the number of times one is corrected.
People who are guilty of this development, as observed by CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE, include operators in the informal sector such as conductors and drivers of commercial vehicles, traders and mechanics.
Abdul Mohammed, a commercial driver's mate plying the Circle-Nima route disclosed to CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE that "I am used to quoting money in the old cedi and so it might take some time to get used to the new currency, especially now that the old currency is out of the system."
A trader who decided to speak on condition of anonymity at the Odawna Pedestrian Shopping Mall finds nothing wrong with quoting the new currency in the old, saying, "so far as the people I trade with understand, I do not see why we should complain," she told this reporter who tried to correct her.
In 2007, the Bank of Ghana announced the redenomination of the country's currency.
By the Central Bank's decision, four zeros are to be knocked off every amount in the old currency to get the equivalent in the new currency.
The country's currency now ranges between GH¢1, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20 and GH¢50, and the sub units are in coins of 1Gp, 5Gp, 10Gp, 20Gp, 50Gp and 100Gp.
The redenomination exercise, which became effective in July 2007 with a transition period of six months during which the old currency was used alongside the new, is over and only the new notes and coins are in circulation.
With time, the Ghana Cedi and Pesewa would simply be known as Cedis and Pesewas, but people seem to be used to the old currency.
Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Turkey, and Mexico had also redenominated their currencies.
Source: Daily Guide
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Morocco’s Family Code revision proposals unveiled in Rabat
1 hour -
Saglemi fire: No documents lost, redevelopment project unaffected – Oppong Nkrumah
2 hours -
WAEC uncertain about meeting Dec. 29 deadline for WASSCE results
2 hours -
‘She Leads Project’ calls for more female representation in politics to address women’s issues
2 hours -
DJ Promise crowned Best Radio DJ at Dangme Music Awards 2024
2 hours -
Re-collation: Court sets Dec. 27 to hear NDC’s suit against EC
2 hours -
Let’s remain positive, optimistic, and with calmness, rebrand our party – Afenyo-Markin
3 hours -
L’aîné HR celebrates 30 years of excellence in HR management in Ghana
3 hours -
Corporate Wellness: Elegant Homes emphasizes impact of Annual Health and Family Fun Day
4 hours -
BoG issues bancassurance directives to stakeholders in financial sector; warns of sanctions
4 hours -
African Paralympic Committee President sends festive greetings to fraternity
5 hours -
Ghana-Russia Centre holds its first corporate social responsibility event in Ghana
5 hours -
Mozambique’s opposition leader vows to install himself as president
5 hours -
‘Politics will come and go’ – Afenyo-Markin calls for national development
6 hours -
We thank God for the peace we have in the country – Afenyo Markin
6 hours