Call to cherish Ghana cedi notes
The handling of our national currency, the Ghanaian Cedi, is concerning, because of the lack of care accorded it by people.
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In contrast to how we generally treat valuable possessions with care, the Cedi notes are often treated otherwise.
The negligent manner we treat the Ghana Cedi, not only reflects poorly on us as responsible citizens, but also damages our reputation as a nation that values its resources.
There are instances where thorn notes are given as change in transactions, which are practically unusable.
The GH¢1 notes, in particular, have deteriorated significantly, making their acceptance in transactions difficult.
The notes are often folded, kept in unsuitable containers and stained with oil or thorn.
Despite potential guidelines provided by financial institutions or on the Bank of Ghana’s website, the majority of citizens remain uninformed.
The dearth of sensitisation on the proper handling of the notes, despite banks investing in other forms of advertising, contributes to the continued mishandling of our currency.
There are suggestions about increasing the use of coins, which are considered more durable.
However, even coins have suffered damage.
Ultimately, the solution lies in education.
The Central Bank, which invests substantial amounts in printing new notes, could allocate resources to educate the public about proper currency handling.
This could involve campaigns in markets, radio stations, broadcasting platforms and social media channels to raise awareness about the importance of keeping our currency in good condition.
The handling of the Ghanaian Cedi needs to improve.
While the Central Bank’s efforts in printing new notes are essential, educating the public on proper currency management is equally important.
Harriet Asantewaa,
Student,
University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ).
