By Daniel Bampoe
As the Ghanaian cedi continues its impressive rebound against the US dollar, public opinion is increasingly divided — and this time, the split is among the country’s high-profile celebrities.
While some have applauded President John Dramani Mahama for what they describe as a remarkable turnaround of the national currency, others are counting the cost of a stronger cedi on their foreign-denominated savings and investments.
Popular Ghanaian highlife musician Kuami Eugene became the latest public figure to weigh in on the ongoing economic conversation with a post on social media that captured both frustration and admiration.
“We beg Pres. John Mahama for slow down small, my dollar reserves all dey go waste,” he wrote humorously.
His comment reflects a sentiment held by some entertainers and entrepreneurs who hold savings or receive payments in US dollars and are now seeing the value of those funds diminish as the cedi gains strength.
Though Eugene acknowledged he is “happy and sad at the same time,” his message underscores the ripple effects of the currency’s appreciation — a macroeconomic gain that presents individual financial dilemmas for some.
On the other side of the debate, celebrated Ghanaian actor Van Vicker took a more complimentary stance toward the Mahama administration.
In a Facebook post on May 28, 2025, Vicker lauded President Mahama for the cedi’s turnaround, writing: “Mr. President, I must congratulate you on the strengthening of the Ghana cedis on the world market. Ayekoo.”
He emphasized that the cedi’s recent climb to approximately GHC11 to $1 from about GHC17 just months ago is no small feat.
While several economists continue to debate the causes of this appreciation — ranging from foreign capital inflows and remittance surges to policy tightening by the Bank of Ghana — Vicker believes the administration deserves commendation regardless of which theory holds the most weight.
“The true reason could be a consolidation of two or more of – whatever – theories, but be that as it may, the fact remains that the Ghana cedi is approximately GHC11 to $1 today,” he stated.
The actor also addressed critics, especially Ghanaians living abroad who might feel disadvantaged by the development, calling it “narcissistic” to express discontent over what he sees as a national economic victory.
“Call a spade a spade. Give credit to whom credit is due,” he stressed.
Vicker went a step further to express optimism about the cedi’s long-term stability.
“I think the current cedi orbit is remarkable for Ghana as a country and I am optimistic it’s sustainable. Your Excellency JM, if you can take us back to 2007, heerrrh like e go be ‘kerker’.”
This exchange between two of Ghana’s most influential entertainers illustrates how macroeconomic policies and currency fluctuations affect citizens differently depending on their financial exposure.
While local traders and importers may feel the squeeze of a volatile exchange rate, dollar holders and overseas-based Ghanaians also experience financial implications, especially when the cedi strengthens rapidly.
