Symbol: ¢
Country: Ghana
The Ghana Cedi is the currency of Ghana. The Ghana Cedi banknotes are printed on paper material. The Central Bank of Ghana is responsible for issuing the Ghana banknotes.
In 1961 Ghana broke with the British pound sterling and pegged the value of the cedi to the US dollar. Before the region was controlled by the British Empire, a major currency in Ghana was the cowry shell. Native to the Indian Ocean, the shells arrived in the area in the 14th century. They were carried by Arab traders. Cowries continued to circulate as currency as late as 1901. The Akan word for cowry is cedi. This was the name chosen for the new currency when the nation of Ghana moved away from the Ghanaian pound. A few of the early coins bore a picture of a cowry shell.
Did You Know?
These items cost the USD equivalent in the city of Accra, Ghana*:
10 Mile Cab Ride: $6.00 USD
Budget Dinner for 2: $35.65 USD
Pint of Beer: $1.00 USD
*Figures are based on 2022 data. Information is subject to change as exchange rates and cost of goods fluctuate.