What is the currency of Ghana?

The currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi. Its international currency code is GHS, and one cedi is divided into 100 pesewas.

The word cedi comes from an Akan word for cowry shell. Cowries were used as money in West Africa for centuries, so the name connects Ghana’s modern currency with an older regional tradition of trade. Ghana introduced its first cedi in 1965, replacing the Ghanaian pound after independence.

A new cedi followed in 1967, and a redenominated Ghana cedi was introduced in 2007. The 2007 change removed four zeros: 10,000 old cedis became one Ghana cedi. The Bank of Ghana issues the currency, which circulates as coins and banknotes.

The cedi is often confused with other West African currencies. Ghana does not use the West African CFA franc, which is shared by several other countries in the region. The South African rand belongs to South Africa, while the Nigerian naira is Nigeria’s currency.