Optimism expressed by businessmen and traders about the stability of the Cedi against the US Dollar in the early part of the New Year, has been dashed, following the continuous depreciation of the local currency.

The Cedi begun the year somewhat on a stable note, but just six weeks into the year, it has suffered a concerning rate of depreciation.

Bank of Ghana data shows that in the first six weeks of the year, the Cedi has recorded a fast depreciation against the U.S. dollar from GHC 14.5/ dollar at the beginning of January to GHC 15.55/dollar currently, with a higher forex bureau rates.

The fall of the Cedi, within the first six weeks of the year, represents a 6.5% depreciation rate, which has raised concerns .

Analyst have predicted that should this fast rate of depreciation continues for the rest of the year, the cedi will depreciate by over 50% against the U.S. dollar by the end of 2025.

Government has therefore, been urged to take immediate measures to check the rapid cedi depreciation before it gets too late.

Meanwhile the depreciation of the Cedi continues to negatively impact fuel prices in the country despite a decline in price on the international market.

Prices of brent crude and petroleum products on the international market have dropped by 5.65% , but the fast decline of the Ghanaian Cedi has rather ensured a rise in fuel prices in Ghana.

A recent press release by the Institute for Energy Security (IES), said in the first pricing window of February 2025, the cost of fuel in Ghana surged for the third time this year.

Gasoil price rose by GH₵0.45 per litre, while Gasoline increased by GH₵0.24 per litre.