Bank of Ghana (BoG) announced the introduction of new denomination banknotes ۥ Gh100.00 and Gh200.00 notes and Gh2.00 coin to complement the existing series.The BoG Governor, Dr Ernest Addison according to Ghana News Agency (GNA) report says the decision was to ensure customer convenience and efficiency in printing currency to generate savings for the country.
But, it seems not all Ghanaians were in agreement with the move.
The News Agency (GNA) interviewed some Ghanaians for their reactions to the introduction of the new banknotes.
An African footwear seller, Nana Otu supported the BoG decision saying it would reduce the number of notes moved around by travellers; thus making it easier for them to carry lots of money.
“It would also facilitate easy transaction because less time would be spent counting a lot of notes.”
Madam Elizabeth Simons, a revenue collector for a Savings and Loans Company, also lauded the Government for introducing the new currencies.
She said these new denominations would reduce the use of bulk cash and prevent dangers, such as armed robbery, among others, that came along with carrying huge amounts of money.
Mr John Anto, a store manager, said he believed that the Central Bank made a professional decision in the interest of Ghanaians as such a venture would not be done at the whim of any individual.
Ghanaians must, therefore, be open-minded about it, he said.
However, Mr Albert Ayornu, an IT Professional, said there was no need for the new denominations as the Government would spend huge sums of money in printing them.
Those huge sums of money, he said, could have been channelled into other fruitful ventures to boost the economy.
Mr Solomon Acquah, who called himself a concerned citizen said, “I don't really know who advised government to undertake such redenomination exercises, but for me, I find it totally unnecessary.”
