- Dr Asiama Leads BoG officials in Agbogbloshie Clean-up Exercise, Urges Proper Handling of Cedi Notes
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has joined a clean-up exercise at the Agbogbloshie Market in support of the Government’s National Clean-Up Exercise, using the occasion to highlight the link between sanitation, public health and the proper handling of the Ghana cedi.
Dr Asiama was joined by the First Deputy Governor, Dr Zakari Mumuni, and other officials of the Bank of Ghana for the exercise, which formed part of efforts to promote clean and healthy communities.
The Bank said its participation underscored its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve environmental sanitation and public health, while also drawing public attention to the need to handle banknotes responsibly.
Speaking to participants after the exercise, Dr Asiama said cleanliness must be treated as a personal and national responsibility.
“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,” he said.
The Governor also used the platform to caution the public about poor handling of currency notes, noting that dirty or improperly handled banknotes could have public health implications.
“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,” Dr Asiama stated.
His remarks draw attention to the everyday public health risks associated with the handling of cash, especially in busy markets and commercial centres where banknotes frequently change hands.
The Bank of Ghana has over the years encouraged the public to handle the cedi with care by avoiding practices such as writing on banknotes, soiling them, squeezing them, or keeping them in unhygienic places.
Dr Asiama reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting future clean-up exercises and broader sustainability initiatives aimed at promoting a cleaner environment.
The Bank said it remains committed to supporting programmes that promote environmental sanitation, public health and responsible currency handling for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The exercise at Agbogbloshie forms part of the broader National Clean-Up Exercise, which seeks to encourage citizens, institutions and communities to take collective responsibility for keeping the country clean.
