The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned that traders, transport operators, businesses and individuals who refuse to accept cedi and pesewa coins as payment could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment under Ghana’s currency laws. The directive follows growing concerns over the widespread refusal of low-denomination coins, including 1 pesewa to 50 pesewa, as well as GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, despite their status as legal tender.
In a public notice issued on July 22, the central bank stressed that all coins currently in circulation remain valid legal tender and must be accepted for the settlement of debts and commercial transactions. It noted that rejecting coins based on their denomination, inconvenience or personal preference constitutes an offence under the Currency Act, with offenders liable to fines, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The BoG said it will work with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the law. It also urged the public to report instances of coin rejection and called on businesses and individuals to comply with the directive to help maintain confidence in Ghana’s national currency.