President John Dramani Mahama has boldly declared Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, as the world’s best-performing currency during his address to Japanese investors, marking a significant shift for a currency that has historically struggled with volatility.
Speaking at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX), Mahama highlighted the remarkable turnaround of Ghana’s economic fortunes as he courted Japanese businesses to invest in the West African nation.
“I’m happy to announce that this year, the Ghana cedi has been the best-performing currency in the world,” the president stated confidently to his audience.
The President’s claim comes amid impressive economic indicators that suggest Ghana’s economy is stabilizing after years of turbulence. Ghana’s cedi has emerged as the world’s strongest-performing currency in 2025, appreciating nearly 50% against the US dollar since the start of the year.
Beginning the year at around ₵15 to the dollar, the cedi has climbed steadily to trade just above the ₵10 mark, representing a dramatic reversal for the currency.
Mahama’s presentation to Japanese investors emphasized multiple positive economic developments beyond currency performance.
Inflation, which spiked to almost 23% in 2024, has dropped to 13.7%, with expectations of single digits by the end of 2025. This significant decline in inflation rates demonstrates the government’s success in implementing economic stabilization measures.
The president also highlighted Ghana’s improved international standing, referencing recent developments in the country’s credit rating.
“We’ve been upgraded from junk status,” Mahama noted, pointing to renew international confidence in Ghana’s economic management. This upgrade represents a crucial milestone for a country that has faced significant challenges in international financial markets.
Beyond currency performance, Mahama positioned Ghana as a strategic gateway for Japanese businesses seeking to access Africa’s vast market potential. He added that Japanese investors could access a potential continental market of 1.4 billion people.
“So far, almost 50 African countries have signed agreements that allow us to export duty-free, tariff-free into each other’s markets,” he explained, highlighting the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President’s emphasis on economic reforms aimed at reducing business costs further underscored his government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment.
These wide-ranging reforms, combined with the currency’s stability and falling inflation, paint a picture of an economy that has undergone significant transformation.
For Japanese investors, Mahama’s message was clear: Ghana represents a stable, growing market with access to the broader African continent.
The combination of currency strength, improving economic indicators, and strategic trade agreements positions Ghana as an attractive destination for foreign investment, marking a notable departure from its previous economic challenges.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
