The Bank of Ghana has issued a stern reminder to the public that all Ghana cedi coins remain valid legal tender and must be accepted in transactions, warning that refusal to do so constitutes a criminal offence under the law.
In a public notice signed by the Bank’s Secretary, Ms. Aimee Vyda Quashie, the central bank cautioned traders, transport operators, and businesses against rejecting coins, stressing that such conduct is punishable under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
The directive makes clear that refusing to sell goods or services simply because payment is made with coins or notes — unless the currency has been demonetised — is unlawful. Offenders face penalties including up to three years’ imprisonment, fines, or both.
The Bank further warned that individuals who encourage or instruct others to reject coins, such as business owners directing staff to refuse them, will be liable to the same sanctions. Persons caught in the act may also be arrested without a warrant.
To ensure compliance, the Bank of Ghana announced it will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders. Members of the public are encouraged to report instances of coin rejection to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the police, or through official communication channels.
The notice calls on all individuals, businesses, and institutions to handle the national currency responsibly and in accordance with the law, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s monetary system.
Leave a Reply