Rejecting Cedi Coins Could Land You in Jail – Bank of Ghana Warns
Central bank says all cedi coins remain legal tender as offenders risk fines or up to three years imprisonment.
- BoG warns against rejecting valid Ghana cedi coins
- Offenders risk fines, jail term, or both
- All current cedi coins remain legal tender
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 actions are unlawful and could attract criminal penalties.
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, during everyday transactions.
The central bank clarified that all coins currently in circulation remain legal tender and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.
According to the BoG, individuals and businesses do not have the legal authority to reject valid coins simply because they are inconvenient to handle, have a lower face value, or are considered impractical.
The Bank stated:
“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tender for the settlement of debts and the conduct of transactions throughout Ghana, and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.”
It added that no trader, transport operator, business entity, or individual has the right to refuse valid coins based on personal preference or inconvenience.
Under Ghana’s Currency Act, anyone who refuses to sell goods or provide services solely because a customer is paying with valid coins or banknotes commits an offence.
The BoG explained that offenders could face a fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The central bank also cautioned individuals who encourage or direct others to reject valid legal tender that they could equally be held criminally liable.
It further disclosed that offenders may be arrested without a warrant and assured that it would work with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance.
The Bank of Ghana said the continued rejection of lower-denomination coins could negatively affect the country’s payment system by disrupting cash transactions, encouraging price rounding, and reducing confidence in the use of smaller denominations.
The BoG has therefore urged members of the public to report any instances where valid Ghana cedi coins are rejected through its offices, official communication channels, or the Ghana Police Service.
