The Bank of Ghana has warned the public against repairing damaged Ghana cedi banknotes with adhesive tape, glue, staples or other materials before putting them back into circulation.
The warning follows a video circulating on social media showing individuals allegedly repairing torn and soiled cedi notes and rejoining them as part of a business activity.
In a statement, the central bank said such practices could compromise the integrity of Ghana’s currency and create difficulties when the notes are used for transactions or processed by financial institutions.
“The Bank of Ghana strongly cautions the public against this practice,” the statement said.
Repaired Notes May Be Rejected
According to the Bank, notes that have been taped, glued, stapled or improperly reconstructed are considered unfit for circulation.
Such notes can damage automated teller machines and currency processing equipment. They may also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, exposing holders to possible financial loss.
The Bank stressed that the Ghana cedi is both legal tender and a national symbol and should therefore be handled carefully.
It also reminded the public that responsibility for managing Ghana’s currency rests solely with the Bank of Ghana.
“No person should engage in the repair, rejoining or other alteration of mutilated banknotes for reissuance or recirculation,” it said.
Take Damaged Notes to Commercial Banks
People holding torn or mutilated cedi notes have been advised to present them to a commercial bank for examination and possible replacement under the Bank of Ghana’s established procedures.
For a mutilated note to be assessed, more than half of the original banknote must be presented.
The central bank urged the public not to attempt home repairs or return badly damaged notes to circulation.
It also encouraged members of the public to report individuals involved in the improper repair, rejoining or deliberate mutilation of Ghana cedi banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or relevant law enforcement agencies.
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