Refusing To Accept Cedi Coins Could Attract Criminal Sanctions- BoG Warns
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned traders, transport operators, businesses and the general public against refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins, stressing that such conduct is unlawful and could attract criminal sanctions.
The warning, contained in a public notice dated July 22, 2026, follows growing concerns over the rejection of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, in everyday commercial transactions.
The central bank clarified that all coins currently in circulation remain legal tender and have neither been demonetised nor withdrawn from circulation.
It noted that businesses and individuals cannot lawfully reject valid coins simply because they are inconvenient to handle, have a low face value or are considered less practical in daily transactions.
“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tender for the settlement of debts and the conduct of transactions throughout Ghana and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.
“No trader, transport operator, business entity, or individual has the discretion to unilaterally refuse to accept these coins in payment for goods, services, or other legitimate transactions on grounds of inconvenience, low value, or personal preference,” the Bank noted.
Under Ghana’s Currency Act, any person who refuses to sell goods or provide services solely because a customer is paying with valid coins or banknotes commits an offence. Convicted offenders could face a fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The Bank of Ghana has also cautioned that individuals who encourage, direct or instruct others to reject valid legal tender may similarly be held criminally liable.
It further disclosed that offenders may be arrested without a warrant and that it will work with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance.
The Bank of Ghana’s position has broader implications for the economy, particularly for the integrity and efficiency of the country’s payment system.
The widespread rejection of lower-denomination coins can disrupt cash transactions, particularly in the informal economy, where small-value payments remain common. It can also create pricing distortions, encourage rounding up of prices, and gradually erode the practical value of smaller denominations in the economy.
This could disproportionately affect low-income consumers and businesses that rely heavily on cash transactions, while also undermining confidence in the country’s currency system.
The rejection of valid coins may further contribute to inefficiencies in retail transactions and complicate the circulation of cash across the economy. By reinforcing the legal tender status of all current denominations, the central bank is seeking to ensure that the full range of the cedi remains functional within the payment system.
The BoG has therefore urged the public to report instances where valid Ghana cedi coins are rejected through its offices, official communication channels or the Ghana Police Service.
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