Checking the exchange rate for the Cedi is a bit like checking the weather in London—wait five minutes and it’s probably changed. If you’re asking how much is 1 dollar in Ghana right now, the short answer is roughly 10.75 GHS. But if you just go by that one number, you’re missing the actual story of what’s happening on the ground in Accra.
Money is moving fast.
Honestly, the Cedi has been on a wild ride over the last two years. We saw it hit lows that made everyone sweat in 2024, only to stage a massive comeback. Did you know the Cedi actually appreciated by over 40% in 2025? It was one of the best-performing currencies in the world that year, trailing only the Russian Ruble in terms of recovery. That’s not just a stat; it changed how much a bag of cement or a gallon of petrol costs in Osu or Kumasi.
The Reality of How Much Is 1 Dollar in Ghana Today
As of January 14, 2026, the mid-market rate sits around 10.753 Ghanaian Cedis.
But look, there’s the "Google rate" and then there’s the "I’m standing at a Forex bureau in Tudu" rate. If you walk into a bank like Stanbic or Fidelity, they might buy your dollar for around 10.40 GHS and sell it back to you for 10.95 GHS or even 11.70 GHS for physical cash. Banks always take their cut. It's how the game works.
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The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has been working overtime to keep things steady. Just last week, the central bank announced they’re planning to pump up to $1 billion into the market this month alone. They aren't trying to force the rate to a specific number, but they are trying to stop the "yo-yo" effect that happens when every importer in the country tries to buy Dollars at the same time to pay for New Year shipments.
Why the Rate Is Jumping Around
Why does it fluctuate? Well, it’s mostly about demand.
Ghana imports almost everything. When retailers need to restock after the Christmas rush, they need Dollars. High demand for the greenback usually pushes the Cedi down. However, the new Foreign Exchange Operations Framework approved by the BoG on January 2, 2026, has added some transparency. They are using gold-for-oil schemes and direct auctions to make sure the market doesn't freeze up.
Understanding the "Black Market" vs. Official Rates
In Ghana, people often talk about the "Black Market" or the parallel market.
Historically, this is where the rate was always higher. If the bank told you 12, the guys on the street might say 13. But lately, the gap has narrowed significantly. The BoG’s move to tighten regulations and the 2025 currency surge actually made the official interbank rate much more reflective of reality.
If you're a traveler or someone sending money home via apps like Remitly or TapTap Send, you’ll usually get something very close to that 10.70 to 10.75 range. Always check the "received amount" before hitting send. Fees can eat your lunch if you aren't careful.
A Quick Look Back: How We Got Here
To understand the value of how much is 1 dollar in Ghana today, you have to look at the 24-month horizon:
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- January 2024: 1 Dollar was about 11.88 GHS.
- Late 2024: It spiked toward 16.46 GHS, causing massive inflation.
- Mid-2025: The "Great Recovery" happened, bringing it back down toward 10.25 GHS.
- January 2026: We are hovering in this 10.70 - 10.80 sweet spot.
This stability is a big deal for local businesses. When the rate stays predictable, prices at the Melcom or the local pharmacy don't change every Monday morning.
What This Means for Your Pocket
If you have $100, you’re looking at about 1,075 GHS.
What does that actually buy you in Accra right now?
For 1,075 Cedis, you can get a pretty decent dinner for two at a high-end spot in Labone, or you could pay for about two weeks' worth of Bolt rides if you're commuting within the city. If you're buying groceries, that $100 goes a lot further at the local market (Makola) than it does at Shoprite.
One thing most people get wrong: they think a "stronger" Cedi makes everything cheap instantly. It doesn't. Prices in Ghana are "sticky." They go up fast when the Dollar rises, but they take a long time to come down when the Dollar falls. It’s frustrating, but it’s the reality of the Ghanaian economy.
Expert Tips for Handling Currency in Ghana
- Avoid Airport Exchange Desks: The rates at Kotoka International Airport are notoriously poor. You’ll lose 5% to 10% just for the convenience.
- Use ATMs Wisely: Most ATMs in Ghana will charge a flat fee (usually around 30-50 GHS) regardless of how much you withdraw. Take out the maximum allowed to minimize the "tax" on your money.
- Digital Is King: If you can pay with a card or Mobile Money (MoMo), do it. The exchange rates used by Visa and Mastercard are often better than what you'll find at a small Forex bureau.
- Watch the News: Keep an eye on the Bank of Ghana’s weekly bulletins. If they announce a massive FX sale, the Cedi usually holds its ground or gains a bit.
The Bottom Line on the Cedi
Knowing how much is 1 dollar in Ghana is about more than just a currency converter result. It’s about timing. The market is currently in a phase of "managed stability." With the BoG’s $1 billion intervention this month, we aren't likely to see a massive crash in the next few weeks, but the first quarter always brings pressure as multinational companies repatriate their profits.
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If you’re planning to change a large amount of money, doing it in stages might be the smartest move. Don't put all your eggs in one basket if you don't have to.
Your Next Steps for Managing Currency
- Compare live rates across at least two different apps (like Xe and Oanda) before doing a physical exchange.
- Check the Stanbic or Fidelity daily FX PDF—they usually publish these every morning and they give you the most accurate "street-legal" rate.
- Download a Mobile Money app if you are in the country; it’s often the most efficient way to handle Cedis without carrying a thick brick of notes.
The situation is stable for now, but in the world of West African finance, "stable" is always a relative term. Keep your eyes on the central bank’s moves.