The Bank of Ghana has warned that traders, transport operators, and businesses who refuse to accept Ghana Cedi coins and notes risk imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine, or both.
In a public notice dated 22nd July 2026 signed by Aimee Vyda Quashie, Secretary of the Bank, the central bank said it is concerned about the “widespread and persistent refusal” to accept 1p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins in payment for goods and services.
Coins Remain Legal Tender
BoG stated that all coins issued by the Bank remain lawful currency of the Republic of Ghana and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.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 notice read.
Criminal Sanctions Under the Law
Citing the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), the Bank said the following acts constitute an offence:
1. Refusing to sell an article to a buyer simply because the buyer is paying with coins or notes — except where that coin or note is no longer legal tender.
Penalties on conviction include:
– Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years; or
– A fine; or
– Both imprisonment and a fine
The Bank further warned that persons who deliberately encourage, help, or instruct others to reject coins — for example, business owners instructing staff — will face the same punishment.
“A person found in the act of committing this offence may be arrested without a warrant,” the notice added.
Enforcement Plan
BoG said it will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law.
“Persons and businesses who persist in this conduct may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment in accordance with the law,” it stated.
Members of the public who encounter refusal are urged to report to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, to the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank’s official communication channels.
The notice follows an earlier BoG directive on 14th July 2026 on the misuse and defacement of banknotes and coins.
The Bank called on all individuals, businesses and institutions to “accept and handle the national currency, in all its denominations, responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
