The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned traders, transport operators, businesses and the general public against refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as payment, stressing that such actions are unlawful and could attract criminal sanctions.
In a public notice dated 22 July 2026 (Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/23), the central bank expressed concern over the widespread refusal to accept 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa, 50 pesewa, GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins in exchange for goods and services.
According to the Bank, all coins it has issued remain valid legal tender and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation. It emphasized that no trader, transport operator, business entity or individual has the discretion to reject the coins on grounds of inconvenience, low value or personal preference.
The notice follows an earlier directive issued on 14 July 2026 addressing the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins. While the previous notice focused on the physical abuse and defacement of currency, the latest directive specifically addresses the unlawful refusal to accept coins as legal tender.
The Bank warned that refusing to sell goods or provide services simply because a customer is paying with coins constitutes an offence under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), unless the particular coin has ceased to be legal tender.
It further noted that persons convicted of the offence could face a prison term of up to three years, a fine, or both imprisonment and a fine. The Bank added that individuals who encourage or instruct others to reject coins are equally liable under the law, while offenders may also be arrested without a warrant.
As part of enforcement measures, the Bank of Ghana said it will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance and prosecute offenders where necessary.
The central bank also encouraged members of the public who encounter instances of coin rejection to report such cases to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank’s official communication channels.
The Bank called on all individuals, businesses and institutions to support efforts to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s currency by accepting and handling all denominations of the cedi responsibly and in accordance with the law.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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