In a remarkable turnaround, the Ghanaian cedi has demonstrated unexpected resilience during the 2025 Christmas season, a development that has garnered praise from Gomoa Central Member of Parliament, Kwame Asare Obeng, known widely as A Plus. The independent MP highlighted this significant shift in a social media post on January 2, 2026, reflecting on the currency’s historical struggles during the festive period.
Traditionally, the Christmas season in Ghana has been fraught with anxiety regarding currency stability, with many fearing a collapse of the cedi. However, A Plus noted a refreshing change this year, stating, “The script has been flipped for the first time in many years. The cedi gained strength during Christmas, and that is no coincidence.” He attributed this positive trend to the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and his economic team.
The MP emphasized that the criticisms facing the administration are mere distractions from the real achievements, asserting, “Everything you’re hearing now is just noise, deliberately meant to distract from this simple fact.” He specifically acknowledged Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiamah, and NDC National Communication Officer Sammy Gyamfi for their roles in the cedi’s recovery.
According to Bloomberg data, the cedi not only stabilized but also appreciated against the US dollar for the first time in over thirty years in 2025, achieving a notable gain of approximately 30 percent. The currency ended December at GH¢10.45 on the interbank market, a stark contrast to the GH¢14.85 at the beginning of the year. This performance is particularly impressive considering that in 2022, the cedi was one of the worst-performing currencies globally, having depreciated by over 55 percent amidst a sovereign debt crisis.
The Christmas period historically intensifies demand for foreign currency, driven by increased imports, diaspora remittances, and holiday travel. In past years, the cedi typically weakened due to these seasonal pressures. For instance, during Christmas 2024, the cedi was trading at around GH¢16 to the dollar. However, by 2025, this figure improved to approximately GH¢12.30 at retail foreign exchange outlets, marking a significant recovery.
Several factors contributed to the cedi’s strength throughout 2025. The Bank of Ghana injected over $490 million into the foreign exchange market to alleviate short-term pressures while implementing new forex auction methods to enhance dollar liquidity and curb speculative hoarding. Additionally, Ghana’s gold export revenues surged, increasing from $7.6 billion in 2023 to $11.6 billion in 2024. The rise in gold prices on the international market further bolstered the cedi’s intrinsic value.
The establishment of the Ghana Gold Board in May 2025, which mandates that domestic gold purchases be settled in cedis, has also played a pivotal role in stabilizing the currency and building foreign exchange reserves. These reserves reached $11.4 billion by March 2025, providing a robust buffer for currency defense operations.
A Plus has emerged as a staunch supporter of President Mahama, despite his independent status, and recently hosted the President during the Christmas holidays at Crown Forest Resort in Gomoa Techiam. During this visit, Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to local development projects, including the Gomoa Central Special Economic Zone, which aims to attract significant investment and create approximately 300,000 jobs.
Moreover, A Plus has publicly advocated for Mahama to seek a third presidential term, arguing that constitutional term limits hinder long-term national progress. His stance has sparked debate among political analysts and legal experts, who emphasize the importance of regular leadership transitions in a democratic society.
Despite potential criticisms regarding his alignment with the ruling government, A Plus insists that his primary focus remains on the development needs of Gomoa Central. His recent remarks about the cedi’s performance reflect a growing optimism among government supporters regarding the country’s economic stabilization efforts. As the festive season concluded, many Ghanaians experienced relief with stable exchange rates and lower inflation compared to previous years, marking a significant contrast to the economic distress faced in late 2022.
In summary, the cedi’s unexpected strength during Christmas 2025 signifies a pivotal moment in Ghana’s economic recovery, with A Plus’s commendations highlighting a broader sentiment of hope and stability among citizens.
