The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned traders, transport operators and businesses that refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as payment for goods and services is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.
According to the Central Bank, all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain legal tender and must be accepted for legitimate transactions unless they have been officially withdrawn from circulation.
The warning is contained in a public notice, No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/23, issued on July 22, 2026, titled: “Rejection of Ghana Cedi Coins: Obligation to Accept Legal Tender and Applicable Criminal Sanctions.”
The notice follows an earlier directive issued on July 14, 2026, on the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins.
The BoG said it had observed with concern the widespread and persistent refusal by traders, transport operators and other business entities to accept 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, in payment for goods and services.
According to the Bank, while the previous notice addressed the physical abuse and defacement of the national currency, the latest directive specifically targets the unlawful rejection of coins that remain valid legal tender.
The Central Bank reminded the public that under the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), and other applicable laws, all coins issued by the Bank continue to be lawful currency in Ghana.
It stressed that none of the coins in circulation has been demonetised or withdrawn, and therefore cannot be rejected simply because of inconvenience, their low value or personal preference.
The notice explained that no trader, transport operator, business entity or individual has the discretion to unilaterally refuse coins presented in payment for goods, services or other legitimate transactions.
The BoG further stated that refusing to sell an article to a buyer solely because the buyer is paying with coins or banknotes constitutes an offence, except where the particular coin or note has ceased to be legal tender.
It warned that persons convicted of such offences face imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The Bank also cautioned that business owners or managers who direct or encourage employees to reject coins would be held equally liable under the law.
According to the notice, any person found committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
The BoG urged the public to desist from rejecting coins, warning that persons and businesses that continue with the practice could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
To ensure compliance, the Central Bank said it would collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and take appropriate action against persons or businesses found culpable.
Members of the public who encounter instances of coin rejection have been encouraged to report such cases to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the Ghana Police Service or through the Bank’s official communication channels.
The BoG called on individuals, businesses and institutions to support efforts to preserve confidence in the national currency by accepting and handling all denominations of Ghana cedi coins responsibly and in accordance with the law.
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