By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against the practice of repairing and re-joining torn or soiled Ghana cedi banknotes with adhesive tape for re-issuance or recirculation.
The warning follows the circulation of a video on social media showing individuals allegedly repairing damaged cedi notes with adhesive tape and putting them back into circulation as a business activity.
In a press release issued on October 7, 2026, the Bank of Ghana described the practice as improper and urged the public to desist from altering mutilated banknotes for re-issuance.
According to the central bank, the Ghana cedi is not only legal tender but also an important national symbol, and improper handling of banknotes could undermine the integrity of the currency and affect its acceptance and processing within the cash cycle.
The Bank specifically warned against taping, gluing, stapling or otherwise improperly repairing damaged notes.
It said such banknotes are considered unfit for circulation and could damage ATMs and currency-processing machines.
They may also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially leaving members of the public with financial losses.
Directs public to commercial banks
The central bank reminded the public that it has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency.
It therefore advised members of the public with mutilated or damaged banknotes to take them to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with the Bank of Ghana’s established procedures.
The Bank further stated that when a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, more than half of the original banknote should be available.
It urged the public not to attempt to restore damaged notes themselves before presenting them to a bank.
The BoG also encouraged the public to handle cedi banknotes with care and report individuals engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
The central bank’s warning comes amid concerns over practices that could interfere with the quality and circulation of Ghana’s currency.
The Bank concluded its notice with a call to the public to protect the integrity of the national currency:
“Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride.”
