MaMa Dr. Apostle Nana James Akwasi Oppong, flagbearer of the Risen People’s Party (RPP) and an independent presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections, has made a bold promise to Ghanaians: to replace the Ghana cedi with either the US dollar or the British pound sterling if given the mandate in the 2028 elections.
Speaking at a press conference held today, Dr. Oppong addressed the growing concerns over the recent depreciation of the cedi against major currencies, a situation that has drawn criticism towards the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama.
In a surprising stance, Dr. Oppong defended the President, arguing that the cedi’s inherent weakness prevents Ghana from experiencing true economic development.
“No country can experience optimal economic development without utilizing a strong currency like the dollar, pound sterling, or euro,” Dr. Oppong stated.
“President John Dramani Mahama deserves no criticism over Ghana’s currency woes because the cedis are not strong enough to compete with the dollar and other major currencies to economically revive the economy.”
He dismissed assurances from economists about potential economic stability, labeling the fluctuating value of the dollar as something beyond the realm of mere economics.
Dr. Oppong pointed to the past assurances of former Vice President Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia, who had claimed to have “imprisoned the dollar,” only to see those efforts ultimately fail.
Dr. Oppong argued that the fundamental solution to Ghana’s economic growth lies in abolishing the circulation of the cedi and adopting a stronger, more internationally recognized currency like the dollar, pound sterling, or euro.
He believes this is the only way to achieve true economic stability, as no president can simply perform “magic” to stabilize the cedi while it remains in circulation.
“The question of making the economy grow is to abolish the cedis circulation and resort to pounds sterling, dollars or euro, else no president could use magic wand to stabilize the cedis so far as economic growth is concerned,” he declared.
Dr. Oppong positioned the RPP as a vibrant, progressive, and focused political party aiming to take over governance and implement positive economic policies that ensure a good standard of living for all Ghanaians.
He emphasized the party’s dedication to addressing the root causes of the country’s economic challenges, primarily the perceived weakness of the cedi.
Ultimately, Dr. Apostle Nana James Akwasi Oppong urged Ghanaians to refrain from blaming President John Dramani Mahama for the ongoing currency fluctuations, asserting that his administration lacks effective solutions to address the fundamental currency crisis.
- He hopes his radical proposal to replace the cedi with a stronger currency will resonate with voters and pave the way for the RPP to implement its economic vision in 2028.
