A recent visit by a Black American woman to Ghana has ignited discussions around the practice of charging in US dollars by local businesses. On January 15, 2025, she expressed her frustration with real estate agencies that demanded payment in dollars instead of the local currency, the cedi. This practice has raised questions about its legality, especially since the Bank of Ghana had previously mandated that businesses should only charge in cedis [0346a7dc].
The woman stated that she would no longer pay in US dollars while in Ghana, highlighting a growing concern among consumers regarding the impact of inflation on pricing strategies. Many businesses have continued to charge in dollars, citing economic conditions as a justification for their pricing decisions [0346a7dc].
Social media reactions to her comments have been mixed. Some users supported her stance, arguing that charging in cedis is essential for the local economy, while others contended that pricing in dollars is a necessary response to inflation and the current economic climate [0346a7dc].
This incident reflects a broader trend in several African countries, where businesses often resort to dollar pricing due to the instability of local currencies. The debate over the appropriateness of this practice continues, as consumers and businesses navigate the complexities of inflation and currency fluctuations [0346a7dc].