The Bank of Ghana cedi coins remain legal tender, and anyone refusing to accept them could face arrest, prosecution or even imprisonment, the central bank has warned in a fresh notice aimed at tackling the growing rejection of coins in everyday transactions.
The warning follows persistent reports that some traders, transport operators and business owners are refusing to accept the 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, when customers use them to pay for goods and services.
In a notice issued on July 22, the Bank said the practice is unlawful and undermines confidence in Ghana's national currency.
The latest directive comes just days after the central bank cautioned the public against the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of cedi notes and coins.
Coins Remain Valid Legal Tender
The Bank stressed that all coins it has issued remain valid legal tender and have not been withdrawn from circulation.
It explained that under the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242) and other applicable laws, every individual and business is required to accept the coins for legitimate transactions.
"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." - Bank of Ghana
The central bank said personal preference or the perceived low value of coins does not provide legal grounds for rejecting them.
Offenders Risk Arrest and Jail
The Bank also drew attention to the criminal consequences of refusing legal tender.
According to the notice, refusing to sell goods or provide services simply because a customer is paying with valid coins or banknotes constitutes an offence under the Currency Act.
Upon conviction, offenders may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
The notice goes further. Business owners who direct employees to reject coins can also be held criminally liable, even if they are not personally involved in the transaction.
The Bank added that anyone caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
BoG, Police to Enforce the Law
The central bank says enforcement will no longer rely on public education alone.
It announced that it will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance, warning that businesses and individuals who continue rejecting coins could face legal action.
Members of the public who encounter such incidents have been encouraged to report them to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service or through the Bank's official communication channels.
The Bank urged Ghanaians to support efforts to preserve the integrity of the national currency by accepting and handling all denominations responsibly.
The latest notice leaves little room for doubt. Whether it is a one pesewa coin or a GH¢2 coin, the law treats them the same. They remain legal tender, and refusing to accept them is not simply bad business practice. According to the Bank of Ghana, it is a criminal offence.
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