'Deliberate Govt Policy Cause Of Cedi Rise' -Felix Ofosu Kwakye

A Deputy Communications minister in charge of Information, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu has dismissed claims that the appreciation of the local currency, The Cedi, against the major trading currencies, especially the Dollar is a fluke. The Cedi which depreciated as much as 40% against the dollar for several months appears to be rising, gaining weight against the major trading partners. Inter-bank rates checks established that on the average, one dollar was bought at GH� 3.1, and sold for GH�3.45; One pound was bought at GH�5.2, and sold for GH� 5.6, while a Euro was also bought at GH� 4.1, and sold for GH�4.4. But skeptics, including financial analyst Sydney Casely-Hayford have said the rise of the Cedi is not sustainable. Casely-Hayford attributes the situation to a reduction in speculation and increased supply of dollars into the system. Speaking to Asempa FM ,Wednesday, Kwakye-Ofosu said the government is bent on ensuring a further appreciation of the local currency in order to strengthen the economy. �Let me state emphatically that what is happening with the Cedi is as a result of a deliberate government policy and government aims to sustain it�, he stated.