The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has declared that individuals and businesses refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as payment for goods and services face arrest and prosecution. This firm warning, issued in a public notice on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, aims to curb the widespread rejection of coins across the country. The central bank stated that such actions could lead to fines or imprisonment.
The BoG expressed significant concern over the refusal to accept 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa, and 50 pesewa coins. It also included the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins in its warning. The bank clarified that all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain legal tender. They must be accepted for all transactions nationwide.
This directive comes amid growing public frustration regarding the non-acceptance of coins by various vendors. The BoG highlighted that none of these coins have been withdrawn from circulation or demonetised. No trader, transport operator, business, or individual has the right to reject them. This applies even if they consider the coins inconvenient or of low value.
The central bank cited the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), as the legal basis for its stance. These laws govern the use of the country’s currency. Under the Currency Act, refusing to sell goods or provide services because a customer pays with legal tender coins or banknotes is a criminal offence. This applies unless the currency has been officially withdrawn from circulation.
Anyone convicted of this offence could face up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The BoG also stated that individuals who encourage or instruct others to reject coins are equally liable under the law. This includes business owners directing their employees to do so. A person caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
This enforcement effort is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s financial system. The persistent rejection of coins undermines public confidence in the national currency. It also complicates daily transactions for many citizens, particularly those in informal sectors. The BoG’s intervention seeks to ensure that all denominations of the cedi are treated with respect and accepted universally.
The Bank of Ghana will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law. This partnership aims to ensure compliance and prosecute offenders. The central bank encourages the public to report instances of coin rejection. Reports can be made to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service, or through the bank’s official communication channels.
This measure is part of a broader effort to promote responsible handling of Ghana’s currency. The BoG calls on individuals, businesses, and institutions to accept and manage all denominations of the cedi responsibly. This will help uphold confidence in the country’s legal tender. The consistent use of coins is vital for the smooth functioning of the economy and for facilitating small-value transactions.
The implications of this warning are significant for Ghana’s retail and transport sectors. Businesses must now adjust their practices to avoid legal repercussions. Consumers can expect greater acceptance of coins, which will ease everyday commerce. This move reinforces the central bank's authority and its commitment to currency stability.