By Harriet Asantewaa (Student of UniMAC-GIJ)
The handling of our national currency, the Ghanaian Cedi, has become a matter of concern due to the lack of care and attention it receives from many individuals. In contrast to how we generally treat valuable possessions with care, the condition of our Cedi notes often goes overlooked. This negligence 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 transactions involve giving back change in the form of dirty or torn notes, rendering them practically unusable. The state of 1 Cedi notes, in particular, has deteriorated significantly, making their acceptance for transactions difficult. The notes are often folded, kept in unsuitable containers, stained with oil, or damaged in various ways. As a result, these notes are no longer attractive or acceptable for transactions.
Efforts to educate the public about the proper handling of Cedi notes seem inadequate. Despite potential guidelines provided by financial institutions or the Bank of Ghana’s website, the majority of citizens remain uninformed. This lack of knowledge poses a challenge, especially for those who cannot read or access online resources. The absence of public education campaigns, despite banks investing in other forms of advertising, contributes to the continued mishandling of our currency.
Even those who handle money regularly, such as commercial drivers, conductors, and market vendors, face difficulties due to the poor state of the notes. Passengers often pay with mutilated notes, leading to disputes and inconveniences. Market vendors point out that customers, in their haste to complete transactions, use the same hands that touched the items to handle the notes, accelerating their degradation.
Suggestions have been made, including increased use of coins, which are considered more durable by some. However, even coins have suffered damage, with holes becoming commonplace. Ultimately, the key 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.
In conclusion, our 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. This would not only help preserve the integrity of our currency but also reflect positively on our national character.
