The Faculty of Business Studies at Takoradi Technical University, TTU, has taken the lead in stimulating national discourse on the stability of the Ghanaian cedi, with a high-level dialogue featuring financial experts, academics, students, and industry stakeholders.
Held under the theme “Winners and Losers: Assessing the Impact of Cedi Appreciation on Ghanaian Businesses and Investment Portfolios,” the dialogue featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Thomas Boani-Sarpong, Senior Partner at CFL Global. He called for a shift in focus from short-term currency fluctuations to long-term stability of the cedi, which he described as essential for sustainable economic growth.
“Whether the cedi appreciates or depreciates, extreme movements are not helpful,” Mr. Boani-Sarpong said. “What we need is a stable currency. It is only through consistency that businesses can plan, investors can be confident, and the economy can grow responsibly.”
He noted that while cedi appreciation brings some short-term benefits, such as reduced import costs and lower inflation, its long-term effects can be harmful if it leads to a widened trade deficit or sudden reversals. Conversely, depreciation affects exporters positively but hits consumers, remittance-receiving households, and local businesses hard.
Encouraging students to take advantage of such forums, Mr. Boani-Sarpong stressed that knowledge acquired in these dialogues complements classroom learning and equips students with practical insights into Ghana’s economic landscape.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, emphasized the critical importance of such academic-industry dialogues in fostering evidence-based policymaking and economic resilience. “As the cedi continues to fluctuate, we must engage in rigorous conversations that address both the risks and opportunities involved. This dialogue is not just an academic exercise — it shapes future policy, informs business practice, and prepares our students for real-world economic challenges,” he said.
He applauded the Faculty of Business Studies for leading the initiative and encouraged more interdisciplinary engagement on national economic issues.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Abigail Gura, in her welcome address, highlighted the role of academia in driving economic conversations that are both timely and impactful. “This event is part of our mission to link theory to practice,” she said. “By fostering dialogue among scholars, professionals, and students, we aim to build a more resilient and informed business environment, she added.”
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session, during which participants explored responsible investment strategies and ways to shield businesses from the adverse effects of currency volatility.
