The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned traders, transport operators, businesses and members of the public against refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins for transactions, stressing that such an act is against the law.
According to a report by the Daily Graphic, the central bank said all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain legal tender and must be accepted for the payment of goods and services across the country.
The warning follows concerns that some traders, commercial transport operators and businesses continue to reject coins.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the BoG said the coins have not been withdrawn from circulation and no individual or business has the legal authority to reject them because of their value, inconvenience or personal preference.
The notice follows an earlier directive, Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/17, issued on July 14, 2026, which addressed the improper handling and misuse of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins.
The central bank explained that under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), refusing to accept legal tender for payment of goods and services constitutes an offence, except where the currency has officially ceased to be legal tender.
The BoG stated that persons found guilty of the offence could face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
It added that business owners who instruct employees to reject coins or knowingly encourage such actions could also face the same penalties. The bank further noted that persons suspected of committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
The Bank of Ghana said it would collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to enforce the law and take action against individuals and businesses found violating the directive.
It has encouraged members of the public who experience difficulties using coins in transactions to report such cases to the nearest BoG office, the police, or through the bank’s official communication channels.
The notice was signed by the Secretary to the Bank of Ghana, Ms Aimee Vyda Quashie, and dated July 22, 2026.
Story by: Moudlyn Dzefe
