Sights and Sounds
Before the Cedi: The Fascinating Journey of Money in Ghana
Long before banknotes and coins filled wallets across Ghana, trade in local markets relied on something far simpler: tiny white shells. Known as cowries, these shells once served as one of the most widely used forms of money in the region that later became the Gold Coast. They passed from hand to hand in busy markets, paying for food, cloth, and daily essentials.
But the story of Ghana’s currency is also a story of power, independence, and national identity.
When the British consolidated their colonial rule over the Gold Coast, the traditional system of cowry-based trade gradually gave way to a European monetary framework. The colonial administration introduced pounds, shillings, and pence—currencies managed by the West African Currency Board and circulated across several British territories in West Africa.
For many people, the new system was complicated and unfamiliar, yet it became the official means of exchange throughout the colonial era.
Everything began to change after Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957 under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. A year later, the newly established Bank of Ghana introduced the country’s first national currency: the Ghana pound.
Although the Ghana pound symbolized political independence, it still followed the British-style system of pounds, shillings, and pence. The real break from colonial monetary traditions came in 1965, when the country adopted a decimal system.
That year, Ghana introduced the cedi and pesewa, replacing the old pound-based structure entirely. The new currency was more than a financial reform—it was a powerful symbol of national pride. The notes carried the portrait of President Nkrumah, reflecting the optimism of a young nation shaping its own future.
Even the name “cedi” carried historical meaning. Derived from the Akan word “sɛdeɛ,” meaning cowry shell, it paid tribute to the shells that once fueled commerce across the region centuries earlier.
Political changes soon reshaped the currency again. After Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, the government introduced a “new cedi” in 1967. This redesign removed Nkrumah’s portrait and replaced it with national symbols such as the Ghana coat of arms, the Independence Arch, and the Adome Bridge—images meant to reflect the country’s broader identity.
Over the decades that followed, inflation steadily pushed prices upward. Everyday purchases often required thousands of cedis, making the currency increasingly cumbersome to use.
In 2007, the Bank of Ghana introduced the modern Ghana cedi, removing four zeros from the old notes. Under the reform, 10,000 old cedis became one new cedi, simplifying transactions and restoring confidence in the currency.
From cowry shells in bustling markets to modern banknotes, Ghana’s monetary history mirrors the nation’s broader journey. It reflects colonial influence, the struggle for independence, political change, and economic adaptation.
In many ways, the story of the cedi is not just about money. It is about how a country continually reshapes its identity while holding onto echoes of its past—even in the name of its currency.
A great afternoon in Accra doesn’t always require a long drive or an expensive getaway.
Sometimes, it is hidden just off one of the city’s busiest roads, where the soundtrack shifts from traffic to music and the biggest decision is whether to dive into the pool or order a cold drink first.
Tucked off Nii Martey Tsufu Street, which runs parallel to Spintex Road, Splash Social Center has carved out a reputation as a relaxed meeting spot where families, friends and weekend visitors can cool off without leaving the city.
The centre’s biggest draw is its spacious, well-maintained swimming pool, large enough to comfortably accommodate around 30 swimmers.
Nearby, a dedicated children’s pool gives younger visitors a safer place to splash about while trained lifeguards keep watch, making it a practical choice for family outings.
The experience extends well beyond the water. An on-site restaurant and bar serve refreshments throughout the day, while a resident DJ keeps the atmosphere lively with music that encourages guests to linger a little longer.
As daylight fades, the venue takes on a different energy, hosting evening events that transform the space into a social hub for Accra’s nightlife crowd.
For visitors planning a trip, entry is refreshingly straightforward. A GHS 50 admission fee includes access to the swimming pools and changing room facilities, allowing guests to settle in for an afternoon of swimming, dining and unwinding.
In a city known for its energetic pace, Splash Social Center offers something refreshingly simple: a clean, welcoming place where cooling off and catching up with friends go hand in hand.
A few minutes can make all the difference in Accra. One moment you’re surrounded by busy roads and constant movement; the next, you’re gliding across a lake, cycling beneath tall trees, or stepping onto a canopy walk high above the ground.
That contrast is what makes Legon Botanical Gardens one of the city’s most rewarding outdoor escapes.
Located beside the University of Ghana in Legon, the gardens have evolved into more than a traditional botanical park.
They offer a rare combination of adventure and quiet reflection, making the space appealing to families, couples, solo travellers and groups of friends looking to experience a different side of Ghana’s capital.
Visitors who enjoy active days can rent bicycles and explore the network of cycling trails that wind through the grounds.
The adventure continues with rope courses and the popular canopy walk, where elevated pathways provide a fresh perspective of the gardens’ lush surroundings.
Those seeking a slower pace will find plenty to enjoy as well. The lake creates a peaceful setting for canoeing or a relaxing fishing session, offering a welcome break from the city’s fast rhythm.
It’s this balance of excitement and calm that gives the gardens their broad appeal, allowing visitors of different ages and interests to share the same space without feeling rushed.
With entry fees starting from GHS 15—while activities are priced separately—the gardens offer an accessible day out for many visitors.
For travellers eager to explore even more of Ghana’s green spaces, the Aburi Botanical Gardens, about an hour’s drive from Accra, provide another scenic option.
But for those staying in the capital, Legon Botanical Gardens proves that sometimes the best getaway is closer than expected.
The first thing you notice at House Party Go-Karts is the sound—a burst of laughter followed by the whine of engines cutting through the afternoon air.
Tucked away in Bortianor, just off Accra’s Kokrobite Beach Road, this outdoor entertainment hub has become the kind of place where a friendly race can quickly turn into an unforgettable day out.
For visitors exploring Ghana beyond the city’s museums and markets, House Party Go-Karts offers a different side of Accra: one built around recreation, music, and shared experiences.
The venue gained an extra dose of pop-culture appeal after appearing in Kuami Eugene’s hit “Angela” music video, giving fans another reason to recognise its colourful setting.
The main attraction is the outdoor go-kart track, designed for everyone from first-time drivers to competitive racers eager to shave seconds off their lap times.
The experience is fast-paced without feeling intimidating, making it a popular choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Away from the track, the entertainment continues. An indoor arcade blends classic and modern games, while the on-site restaurant offers a relaxed space to recharge with local and international dishes after the adrenaline rush.
Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the venue is well positioned for an afternoon adventure that can stretch into the evening.
Better still, its location near Bojo Beach makes it easy to combine a seaside escape with a few laps around the circuit.
With weekday sessions starting at GH¢80 and weekend sessions at GH¢100, House Party Go-Karts proves that some of Accra’s best memories are made not by standing still, but by chasing the next corner.
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