- The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has launched its first Dean’s Lecture Series to discuss major national and global issues.
- The inaugural lecture focused on Ghana’s exchange rate sustainability and the long-term stability of the cedi.
- The lecture series aims to create a platform for scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss critical economic and development issues.
- The maiden lecture was delivered by Mr. Joe Jackson, CEO of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited.
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has taken a significant step in promoting policy-focused scholarship and engaging postgraduate students with complex economic and development issues. The institution has launched its first Dean’s Lecture Series, a platform intended to bring together scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss major national and global issues.
The inaugural lecture of the Dean’s Lecture Series was held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the West Wing of the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium. The topic of discussion was Ghana’s exchange rate sustainability and the long-term stability of the cedi.
Addressing the Challenges of Exchange Rate Sustainability
The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, Mr. Joe Jackson, delivered the maiden lecture on the theme: “Exchange Rate Sustainability and Resource-Backed Stabilisation in Ghana: Economic Reforms, Policy Trade-Offs and the Role of GoldBod.” In his presentation, Mr. Jackson examined the continued weakening of the cedi and its effect on inflation, purchasing power, and overall economic stability.
Mr. Jackson argued that exporting more goods alone would not be enough to stabilise the local currency unless Ghana improves its ability to retain value from export earnings. He highlighted that although Ghana earns foreign exchange from commodities such as gold, oil, and cocoa, much of that value is lost through profit repatriation, external obligations, and other structural weaknesses.
Mr. Jackson also spoke about the possible role of the Ghana Gold Board, also known as GoldBod, in supporting foreign exchange management and helping the country retain more value from its resources. However, he cautioned that GoldBod on its own cannot solve Ghana’s wider economic problems.
The Way Forward
Lasting exchange rate stability would depend on strong economic fundamentals such as increased productivity, disciplined fiscal management, low inflation, prudent public spending, and better retention of export value. Mr. Jackson stressed that these factors are crucial in addressing the challenges of exchange rate sustainability and promoting economic stability in Ghana.
The launch of the Dean’s Lecture Series is an important step in UPSA’s effort to promote policy-focused scholarship and prepare postgraduate students to engage with complex economic and development issues. The series aims to create a platform for scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss critical economic and development issues and provide recommendations for policy reforms.
Looking Ahead
The Dean’s Lecture Series is expected to continue with discussions on other critical economic and development issues affecting Ghana and the world at large. The series will provide a platform for postgraduate students to engage with scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders in addressing the complex challenges facing Ghana’s economy.
