The word "pesewa" refers to the currency of Ghana, with one "pesewa" being equal to one hundredth of a Ghanaian Cedi. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /pɛˈsɛwə/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with emphasis placed on the first syllable "pe" and a silent "w" at the end. The word is derived from the Twi language spoken in Ghana, with its origins traced to a word meaning "small" or "tiny." Today, the "pesewa" plays an instrumental role in Ghana's economy, being used as a form of payment for various goods and services.
The term "pesewa" refers to both the currency unit and the subunit of the Ghanaian cedi, the official currency of Ghana, a country situated in West Africa. As a currency unit, the pesewa is denoted by the symbol "Gp" and is used in everyday transactions within the country. It is further subdivided into hundredths, making it analogous to the concept of cents or pennies in other currencies. The word "pesewa" finds its etymology in the Akan language, specifically from its subdialect, Asante Twi, spoken by a significant ethnic group in Ghana. Historically, the pesewa was a copper coin that was utilized as an official medium of exchange during the pre-independence period of Ghana known as the Gold Coast.
In modern times, the pesewa has transitioned into a small denomination of the Ghanaian currency, primarily used as a unit to express fractional amounts. Its everyday usage includes the pricing of goods and services, with prices often quoted including fractions of pesewas. Furthermore, the pesewa also serves as a unit of account for tracking accounts in Ghanaian monetary transactions and financial systems. The pesewa's utility and association with the Ghanaian cedi demonstrate its significance within Ghana's economic landscape and its acceptance as a reputable currency denomination.
The word "pesewa" is a currency unit used in Ghana. Its etymology can be traced back to the Akan language, specifically the Twi dialect. In Twi, "pesewa" means "a thousandth part" or "small part". The term was originally used to refer to a small copper coin introduced by the British colonial authorities in the late 19th century. Over time, "pesewa" became the official name for the currency unit in Ghana when the country gained independence in 1957.