By Issah Olegor
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern warning to traders, transport operators and business owners across the country that refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as payment for goods and services constitutes a criminal offence punishable by fines, imprisonment or both under the country’s currency laws.
In a public notice dated July 22, 2026, the central bank expressed concern over what it described as the widespread and persistent refusal by sections of the public to accept 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, despite their continued status as legal tender.
The directive follows an earlier Bank of Ghana notice issued on July 14, 2026, which warned against the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins.
While the previous notice focused on protecting the physical integrity of the national currency, the latest directive specifically addresses the unlawful rejection of coins during commercial transactions.
According to the Bank of Ghana, all coins issued by the central bank remain lawful currency of the Republic of Ghana and must be accepted in accordance with the provisions of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), and other applicable laws.
The Bank stressed that none of the existing Ghana cedi coins has been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation and therefore remain valid legal tender for the settlement of debts and the payment of goods and services throughout the country.
The central bank emphasised that no trader, transport operator, business establishment or individual has the legal authority to refuse coins simply because of their low denomination, perceived inconvenience or personal preference.
Under the Currency Act, the refusal to sell goods or provide services solely because a customer is paying with lawful coins or banknotes constitutes a criminal offence unless the currency presented has officially ceased to be legal tender.
The Bank of Ghana warned that any person convicted of refusing to accept legal tender may face imprisonment for a term of up to three years, a fine, or both imprisonment and a fine, depending on the determination of the courts.
The notice further states that individuals who encourage, direct or instruct others to reject Ghana cedi coins—including business owners who order their employees not to accept coins—commit the same offence and are liable to the same criminal sanctions as those who physically refuse the payment.
In addition, the Bank disclosed that persons caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant under the applicable provisions of the Currency Act.
As part of measures to ensure nationwide compliance, the Bank of Ghana announced that it will collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and prosecute individuals or businesses found unlawfully rejecting legal tender.
The central bank urged all businesses and members of the public to immediately desist from the practice, warning that continued violations could result in arrest, prosecution and the full application of the law.
The Bank also encouraged members of the public who encounter difficulties in using Ghana cedi coins during transactions to report such incidents to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service or through the Bank’s official communication channels.
