Cedi vs Dollar: How Ghana’s Currency Comeback Impacts Travel, Business & Diaspora

When was the last time the Ghanaian cedi made international headlines for something positive? It’s rare — but as of mid-2025, that’s exactly what’s happening. The cedi has done something few expected: it’s outperforming the US dollar, gaining attention from global financial analysts and restoring a bit of national pride in the process.

But beyond the headlines, the real question is: what does this mean for everyday people, travelers, businesses, and the future of Ghana’s economy?

Let’s break it down in the Akwaaba way — real talk, real impact, and what moves you should be making right now.

📈 The Cedi’s Unexpected Comeback

According to recent reports from Bloomberg and the Bank of Ghana, the cedi has been Africa’s top-performing currency in early 2025, showing resilience while other currencies on the continent saw sharp declines against the US dollar.

A combination of government monetary reforms, IMF program support, and a slowdown in imports have all helped stabilize the currency. But it wasn’t just luck — it’s also about how Ghanaians have adapted and how the travel, tech, and service economy have started to quietly evolve.

🧮 The Data Behind the Buzz

In Q1 2025, the cedi appreciated over 8% against the dollar.
Tourism receipts are rising, partly due to a more organized travel infrastructure (shoutout to all the local businesses doing the work).
Ghana’s foreign reserves are stronger than expected thanks to IMF-backed strategies and a drop in imports.
The Bank of Ghana’s strict monetary policy is finally paying off, after months of belt-tightening.

For the first time in a long time, the cedi isn’t just surviving — it’s performing.

🌍 So, What Does This Mean for You?

Let’s get into the human-level impact. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ghana, running a local business, or part of the diaspora keeping a close eye on remittance value, this shift matters — big time.

✈️ For Travelers & The Diaspora

💵 Your Dollars Might Not Go As Far — But That’s Not a Bad Thing

The Akwaaba App team sees this every day: travelers used to expect things to be “cheap” in Ghana. But a strong cedi means more stable pricing, better service delivery, and fewer economic shocks that make travel unpredictable.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is actually the best time to lock in your trip — before prices adjust too far. Plus, you get the added benefit of supporting a recovering economy that’s finding its feet.

With tools like the Akwaaba Trip Planner, you can:

Plan your whole trip in 2 taps
Access deals on hotels, tours, and local experiences
Book with confidence knowing you’re working with verified providers

Now’s the time to travel smart, not just cheap.

💼 For Small Businesses & Service Providers

This is where things get exciting. A stronger cedi creates a better environment for service-based businesses — from caterers to tour guides, decorators, and wellness providers.

Here’s why:

Service exports (like tourism) are more profitable when the local currency is strong
Ghanaians abroad are more confident spending and booking services in cedis
Businesses on platforms like Akwaaba App benefit from verified visibility and real reviews, not just word-of-mouth

It’s also a golden opportunity to start pricing your services transparently and tap into diaspora clients looking for trusted providers.

🏦 For People Sending Money Home

Let’s be real — when the cedi drops, it’s easier to send remittances. But when it strengthens, Ghana gains stability. And that’s more powerful long-term.

Imported inflation goes down
Government can spend more efficiently
Local savings mean more when they’re not being eaten up by currency shocks

Remittances are still critical, but this shift shows that Ghana is becoming less dependent on crisis-mode inflows — and that’s a healthy sign.

💡 What You Should Do Right Now

Here’s your Akwaaba-style cheat sheet:

🎒 If You’re Traveling:

Plan and book now while the exchange rate is stable
Use the Akwaaba Trip Planner for smart, verified itineraries
Ask about rewards — Akwaaba App users get access to spa days, meals, and even discounted parties

🧰 If You Run a Business:

Get verified on Akwaaba Services
Offer a reward or referral discount to draw in high-quality bookings
Promote your prices in cedis confidently — people are watching that value now

🌐 If You’re in the Diaspora:

Refer friends and family to Akwaaba for trusted trip planning
Support local businesses directly through bookings, not just remittances
Stay plugged in — what happens with the cedi affects real lives

🎯 Final Thoughts: This Is Ghana’s Moment to Reclaim the Narrative

For too long, news about the cedi has been full of panic and uncertainty. But this time, we’re seeing a shift — not just in the numbers, but in mindset. Confidence is creeping back in, tourism is bouncing back, and the local economy is finding creative ways to rise.

And guess what? You’re part of that.

Whether you’re a Ghanaian abroad, a visitor planning your first trip, or a local business building something meaningful — this currency news is your signal: something is working.

Now’s the time to lean in.