The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned traders, transport operators, and businesses against the persistent refusal to accept Ghana cedi coins and notes, saying offenders risk arrest, prosecution, fines, or up to three years in jail.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 and signed by the Secretary of the Bank, Aimee Vyda Quashie, the Central Bank expressed concern over the “widespread and persistent refusal” by traders and transport operators to accept 1 pesewa, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pesewas, as well as GH₵1 and GH₵2 coins for payment of goods and services.
The statement follows an earlier directive issued on July 14 on the misuse and illegal handling of banknotes and coins.
While that notice addressed the physical defacement of currency, this latest directive focuses on the separate offence of unlawfully refusing to accept legal tender issued by the Bank.
The Bank reminded the public that all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain valid legal tender for the settlement of debts and transactions in Ghana, provided they have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.
It stated that no trader, transport operator, business entity, or individual has the discretion to unilaterally refuse to accept these coins in payment for goods, services, or other legitimate transactions on grounds of inconvenience, low value, or personal preference.
Citing the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), the Bank said refusing to sell to a buyer simply because payment is made with coins or notes constitutes an offence.
It noted that penalties upon conviction include imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The Bank added that anyone who encourages, helps, or instructs another person to reject coins, such as a business owner instructing staff, is liable in the same way. It further stated that persons found committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
The Bank said it will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and ensure that appropriate action is taken against any person or business found culpable of rejecting coins.
Members of the public who encounter difficulties have been encouraged to report such instances to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank’s official communication channels.
The Bank of Ghana called on all individuals, businesses, and institutions to support efforts by accepting and handling the national currency in all its denominations responsibly and in accordance with the law.
