The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern notice cautioning traders, transport operators, and business entities against refusing to accept Ghana Cedi coins, warning that offenders face up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both under
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern notice cautioning traders, transport operators, and business entities against refusing to accept
In Notice No.
BG/GOV/SEC/2026/23 issued on July 22, 2026, the central bank highlighted growing concern over the unlawful rejection of 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa,
The Bank of Ghana has warned that traders, transport operators, businesses and individuals who refuse to accept cedi and pesewa coins as payment for goods and services risk arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
In a public notice issued on 22 July 2026, the central bank expressed concern over what it described as the "widespread and persistent refusal" by some traders, transport operators and business entities to accept 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, during commercial transactions.
The notice follows an earlier directive issued on 14 July 2026 on the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins. While that notice focused on the physical abuse and defacement of the currency, the latest directive addresses the unlawful refusal to accept coins issued by the Bank of Ghana as legal tender.
Coins remain valid legal tender
The Bank of Ghana reminded the public that all coins issued by it remain valid legal tender and must be accepted in accordance with the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242) and other applicable laws. The central bank stressed that none of the coins currently in circulation has been demonetised or withdrawn.
All coins issued by the Bank of Ghana, including the pesewa denominations, remain valid legal tender for the settlement of debts and the conduct of transactions throughout Ghana, and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.
The central bank further stated that no trader, transport operator, business entity or individual has the discretion to reject coins simply because of their denomination or personal preference.
Criminal penalties for rejection
The Bank of Ghana warned that refusing to sell goods or provide services because a customer is paying with coins constitutes an offence under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), unless the coins or notes in question have ceased to be legal tender.
According to the notice, persons convicted of the offence face imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The Bank also cautioned business owners against directing employees to reject coins, saying they would be held equally liable. Deliberately encouraging, helping, or instructing another person to commit this offence, for example a business owner who instructs staff to reject coins, is punishable in the same way as if that person had committed the offence in person.
The notice further warned that a person found in the act of committing this offence may be arrested without a warrant.
Enforcement and public reporting
The Bank of Ghana said it would work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the law. The public has been urged to report any instances of refusal to accept coins to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank's official communication channels.
The central bank advised businesses and members of the public to desist from rejecting coins, warning that persistent offenders could face criminal sanctions. The Bank of Ghana called on all individuals, businesses, and institutions to support efforts to preserve confidence in the national currency by accepting and handling all denominations responsibly and in accordance with the law.