By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | October 8, 2026

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned members of the public against taping, gluing, stapling or otherwise repairing damaged Ghana cedi banknotes for the purpose of putting them back into circulation.

The warning follows the circulation of a social-media video showing individuals repairing torn and soiled cedi notes with adhesive tape as part of what appeared to be a business activity. The central bank said the practice is improper and could undermine the integrity and proper processing of Ghana’s currency.

Damaged notes should not be repaired

According to the BoG, banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are considered unfit for circulation.

The central bank cautioned that such notes could interfere with the cash cycle and may cause problems when processed by automated teller machines and other currency-processing equipment. They could also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially leaving members of the public with financial losses.

The BoG stressed that the Ghana cedi is legal tender and an important national symbol, adding that no individual should engage in the repair, rejoining or alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.

What to do with a damaged cedi note

Instead of attempting to repair a torn or mutilated note, the Bank of Ghana is advising the public to take it to a commercial bank for examination and possible replacement under the central bank’s established procedures.

The BoG said more than half of the original banknote should be available when a mutilated note is submitted for examination. It specifically advised the public not to tape, glue, staple or rejoin the note before taking it to a bank.

BoG calls for protection of the currency

The central bank said protecting the quality and integrity of Ghana’s banknotes is a shared responsibility. It urged the public to handle cedi notes carefully and avoid activities that could damage them.

It also called on members of the public to report people involved in the improper repair, rejoining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.

The latest warning highlights the central bank’s concern over practices that could introduce improperly repaired currency into everyday transactions and create problems for banks, businesses and consumers.

Key takeaway: If a cedi note is torn, badly soiled or mutilated, do not repair it yourself. Take it to a commercial bank for examination and replacement.