Macroeconomic stability key to West Africa single currency dream – Bawumia 

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah, has said macroeconomic stability in West African states is key to realising the dream of achieving a single currency for the sub-region.

Speaking at the opening of the 50th Meeting of the Convergence Council of Ministers and Governors of Central Banks of Member States of the West Africa Monetary Zone (WAMZ) in Accra last Friday Dr. Bawumia said West African monetary integration is imperative, especially when many economic blocs are being formed, in response to the recent global economic challenges.

"The long-standing dream of the West African Single Currency Project that was mooted a couple of decades ago is as relevant today as when it was first conceived. The recent geo-economic fragmentation underpins the urgent need for inclusive monetary integration hence the need for stronger policy commitment towards the realisation of this dream," Dr. Bawumia said.

He said member countries must double their efforts in ensuring macroeconomic convergence and stability which are the necessary conditions for the take-off of a monetary union.

"As we engage in development activities in our various countries, we should not lose sight of the fact that macroeconomic stability is vital for monetary union to thrive. We should, therefore, ensure a balance between economic development and macroeconomic stability."

President Bawumia acknowledged some significant milestones towards realising the dream despite the challenges hindering the implementation of the West African common currency, including the inability of Member states to meet the set criteria.

"Despite the daunting challenges, significant milestones have been achieved in the implementation of the activities of the ECOWAS single currency roadmap over the years.

"I understand… a federal model structure has been adopted for the common central bank, the name of the common central bank has been determined as Central Bank of West Africa, a flexible exchange rate regime adopted, and inflation targeting framework chosen," he stated.

Ghana, according to Dr Bawumia, is committed to restoring macroeconomic stability which forms the basis of sustainable economic growth and development.

"We are leaving no stone unturned under our Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, building resilience through the implementation of wide-ranging and strong structural reforms, and laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth, while also protecting the poor and the vulnerable.

"Over the medium term, we shall continue to work hard to revive the economy and improve our performance on the convergence criteria," he emphasissed.