Today, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana celebrates a symbol of its economic independence, the Ghana Cedi, which turns 60 years old this year. The Bank of Ghana has invited all financial institutions to join in commemorating this milestone, and the celebration is not just about numbers, but about the story of value, trust, and innovation that the Cedi represents.
Among the many institutions taking part, First National Bank is offering a truly unique experience; one that blends history and technology in a way that speaks to our innovative spirit. At our experiential booth, visitors can journey through the evolution of the Cedi using an Augmented Reality (AR) headset.
With a simple gesture, guests can step into a vivid timeline; from the early days when cowries and trade by barter were common, through the introduction of the first Ghanaian Pound in 1958, the Cedi’s birth in 1965, and its transformation through redenominations, redesigns, and digital transitions. Each era comes alive in immersive 3D visuals, allowing the public to see, hear, and feel how Ghana’s currency has grown alongside the nation itself.
The experience doesn’t stop at nostalgia. The AR story also celebrates how payment channels have evolved, from coins and paper notes to debit cards, mobile money, and digital wallets, highlighting how today’s Ghanaian can transact, save, and invest with ease and confidence.
As we mark 60 years of the Cedi, First National Bank remains proud to stand at the intersection of innovation and heritage, using technology to bring the past to life, while helping shape the future of finance in Ghana.
The AR Cedi Experience is open to the public today at the Accra Conference Centre as part of the Bank of Ghana’s anniversary celebrations. After the event, it will be available at all First National Bank branches nationwide, inviting customers and the general public to explore, and appreciate, the fascinating story of our nation’s currency.
This innovation forms part of First National Bank’s own celebration of 10 years in Ghana under the theme “A Decade of Help, A Future of More.” It reflects our commitment to combining technology, creativity, and purpose, helping customers experience the future of banking today.
Come see how far we’ve come. Step into the future while revisiting the past, with First National Bank, where innovation meets experience. Because at First National Bank, we believe that every great story, including the story of the Cedi, deserves to be experienced, not just told
By Delali Dzidzienyo, Head, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, First National Bank
