The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned traders, transport operators, businesses and the general public against refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins, stressing that such conduct is unlawful and could attract criminal sanctions.
The warning, contained in a public notice dated July 22, 2026, follows growing concerns over the rejection of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, in everyday commercial transactions.
The central bank clarified that all coins currently in circulation remain legal tender and have neither been demonetised nor withdrawn from circulation.
According to the Bank, businesses and individuals cannot lawfully reject valid coins simply because they are inconvenient to handle, have a low face value or are considered less practical for daily transactions.
“All coins issued by the Bank of Ghana, including the pesewa denominations, remain valid legal tender for the settlement of debts and the conduct of transactions throughout Ghana, and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.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 Bank stated.
The BoG explained that under Ghana’s Currency Act, any person who refuses to sell goods or provide services solely because a customer is paying with valid coins or banknotes commits an offence.
It warned that offenders could face a fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both upon conviction.
The central bank also cautioned that individuals who encourage, direct or instruct others to reject valid legal tender may equally be held criminally liable.
The Bank further disclosed that offenders may be arrested without a warrant and said it will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance.
According to the BoG, the widespread rejection of lower-denomination coins threatens the integrity and efficiency of Ghana’s payment system, particularly within the informal sector where small-value cash transactions remain common.
The practice, it noted, could create pricing distortions, encourage the rounding up of prices, reduce the practical use of smaller denominations and disproportionately affect low-income consumers and businesses that rely heavily on cash payments.
The Bank of Ghana has therefore urged members of the public to report instances where valid Ghana cedi coins are rejected through its offices, official communication channels or the Ghana Police Service.
