During the National Clean-Up Exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, delivered an important message to traders and businesses across the country. Joining participants in the nationwide sanitation campaign, Dr. Asiama highlighted a unique angle, linking environmental cleanliness to the quality and lifespan of Ghana’s currency.
Addressing traders, Dr. Asiama emphasized the need for better cash-handling practices, especially in markets where physical cash remains king. “We are looking at this from another perspective, which is the condition of the banknotes, particularly the cedi notes used in our markets. We want those notes to remain clean because research has shown that banknotes can harbour bacteria. As people exchange cash, those bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another,” he explained.
Dr. Asiama noted that the Central Bank’s involvement in the clean-up campaign extends beyond environmental sanitation. “And for us at the Central Bank, just as I was saying when we went to Agbogbloshie, we want the market environment especially to be clean. We have spoken with officials, we work with them to make sure that the refuse and those other buildups are cleaned constantly,” he stated.
He elaborated that the Bank of Ghana is collaborating with market authorities to improve both sanitation and cash-handling habits, underscoring that cleaner markets help preserve the quality of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
Dr. Asiama called on traders to avoid exposing banknotes to dirt, moisture, and other contaminants, and encouraged market operators to make cleanliness a regular part of their business operations. He assured participants that the Central Bank will continue to back initiatives that foster cleaner commercial environments and responsible handling of cash, all in a bid to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s currency.
His message served as a timely reminder that good sanitation practices not only benefit public health but also help maintain the currency that drives the nation’s economy.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com