The cedi, like any other currency, is subject to various external factors that can either bolster or undermine its value.
Favorable external factors, such as favorable terms of trade, foreign investment inflows, or global economic trends, can strengthen the cedi. Conversely, unfavorable external factors like global economic downturns, trade shocks, or geopolitical tensions can exert downward pressure on the currency.
Effective Domestic Policies: The Key to Success
However, as Prof. Gatsi astutely observes, it is effective domestic policies that ultimately determine how well a country can leverage favorable external factors and mitigate the effects of unfavorable ones.
A country’s economic policies, monetary and fiscal frameworks, and institutional capacity all play a crucial role in shaping the performance of its currency.
In Ghana’s case, the current leadership has been working to implement policies that promote economic stability and growth, which in turn can help stabilize the cedi.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances
Currency performance is inherently dynamic, influenced by a multitude of factors that can change rapidly.
As such, effective policies and strategies must be adaptable to respond to shifting circumstances.
The Bank of Ghana, as the central bank, and fiscal authorities have a critical role to play in monitoring the market and implementing policies that can help navigate the complexities of the foreign exchange market.
Confidence in the Measures Taken
According to Prof. Gatsi, the current leadership is actively monitoring the market and implementing complementary policies through the Bank of Ghana and fiscal authorities.
This proactive approach is inspiring confidence in the measures taken so far, which is essential for maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market and promoting economic growth.
By working in policy and professional coordination, the monetary and fiscal authorities can help ensure that the cedi remains a stable and reliable currency, both domestically and internationally.
Finally, Prof. Gatsi explained that favorable external factors such as heightened gold prices, moderated crude oil prices, tariff tensions do not automatically translate into better performance in the domestic economy but levered on good domestic policies and strategies.