The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against repairing, re-joining or otherwise altering mutilated Ghana Cedi banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.
The caution follows a video circulating on social media showing individuals repairing and re-joining torn and soiled Ghana Cedi banknotes with adhesive tape for re-issuance as a business activity.
In a statement issued on October 7, 2026, the BoG said: “The Bank of Ghana strongly cautions the public against this practice.”
The central bank stressed that the Ghana Cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol, warning that the repair, re-joining or alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation could undermine the integrity of the currency.
“Such practices undermine the integrity of the currency and may affect its acceptability and proper processing within the cash cycle,” the statement said.
The BoG further warned that banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are unfit for circulation.
According to the statement, such notes “may damage ATMs and currency processing machines and may be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial loss to members of the public.”
The Bank of Ghana said it has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency and directed members of the public to present mutilated banknotes to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with its laid-down procedures.
It added that where a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, “more than half of the original banknote should be presented.”
The BoG advised the public not to tape, glue, staple, re-join or otherwise attempt to repair damaged banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.
It also encouraged the public to handle Ghana Cedi banknotes with care and report persons engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
