The Bank of Ghana joined the government’s National Clean-Up Exercise on Friday, with Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama leading staff in a sanitation campaign at Agbogbloshie Market while highlighting the public health risks associated with poor handling of the Ghana cedi.
Dr. Asiama, accompanied by First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni and other central bank officials, said maintaining clean surroundings also helps preserve the quality of banknotes, citing research showing that improperly handled currency can harbor bacteria.
“The Bible says cleanliness is next to godliness, but I think cleanliness is godliness! So it is mandatory, even as individuals, to ensure that we are clean and that our environment is clean,” Asiama said after the exercise.
The Governor said the central bank wants Ghanaian banknotes to remain clean because contaminated currency could pose health risks.
“We want our banknotes to always be clean, because research has shown that bacteria can be present on banknotes if they are not properly handled,” he said.
The clean-up exercise forms part of the government’s nationwide campaign to improve environmental sanitation and public health. For the central bank, the initiative also aligns with efforts to encourage responsible handling of the cedi, which can extend the lifespan of banknotes and reduce replacement costs.
The Bank of Ghana said its participation reflects its broader commitment to promoting healthy communities and supporting environmental sustainability beyond its core monetary policy mandate.
Asiama pledged the Bank’s continued participation in future clean-up exercises, saying sustained sanitation efforts would deliver lasting benefits for the country.
