Bank of Ghana Warns Against Rejection of Cedi Coins, Announces Criminal Sanctions

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a public notice warning traders, transport operators, businesses, and individuals that refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as payment is unlawful and may attract criminal sanctions.

The notice, numbered BG/GOV/SEC/2026/23, addresses the growing practice of rejecting coins in commercial transactions across the country. According to the central bank, this behavior undermines the legal status of Ghana’s currency and violates existing laws.

Coins Remain Legal Tender

The Bank of Ghana stated that all coins it has issued—including 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa, 50 pesewa, GH¢1, and GH¢2 coins—remain valid legal tender throughout Ghana.

The central bank emphasized that none of these coins have been demonetized or withdrawn from circulation. Therefore, they must be accepted for the settlement of debts and payments for goods and services.

The notice follows an earlier BoG directive (Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/17), issued on July 14, 2026, which focused on the misuse, abuse, and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins. While the earlier notice dealt with physical damage and defacement of currency, the latest directive specifically addresses the unlawful refusal to accept coins.

Refusal to Accept Coins Is Illegal

The Bank made it clear that no trader, transport operator, business entity, or individual has the right to reject legal tender simply because the coins are considered inconvenient, of low value, or due to personal preference.

Businesses that refuse to sell goods or provide services because customers choose to pay with legal Ghana cedi coins may be committing an offence under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).

Criminal Penalties

According to the notice, persons convicted of unlawfully refusing legal tender may face:

• Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years;
• A fine;
• Or both imprisonment and a fine.

The Bank also warned that anyone who instructs, encourages, or assists another person to reject coins—for example, a business owner directing employees not to accept coins—may be held equally liable under the law.

Additionally, individuals caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.

Enforcement Measures

The Bank of Ghana announced that it will collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the law.

The central bank warned that individuals and businesses that continue rejecting coins risk arrest, prosecution, fines, and possible imprisonment.

Members of the public experiencing difficulties with businesses refusing coins are encouraged to report such incidents to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank’s official communication channels.

Call to the Public

The Bank of Ghana urged all individuals, businesses, and institutions to support national efforts by accepting and responsibly handling Ghana’s currency in all its denominations.

The notice was signed by Aimee Vyda Quashie (Ms.), Secretary of the Bank, and is dated July 22, 2026.