Lawson TV Reporter Reports Rejection of 50-Pesewa Coins at Tamale Teaching Hospital to BoG

A Lawson TV journalist, Philemon Adiebuga, has reported the rejection of Ghana’s 50-pesewa coins at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), raising concerns about the acceptance of coins as legal tender.

The incident occurred after Mr Adiebuga visited the hospital to seek medical attention. Following his consultation and other processes, he proceeded to pay for his medication.

According to the reporter, he was asked to wait for nearly 30 minutes after making payment because the cashier did not have enough change. He was eventually given his balance, which included two 50-pesewa coins and five 20-pesewa coins.

Mr Adiebuga later attempted to use the coins to pay a fee when retrieving his motorbike from the parking area at the hospital’s entrance.

However, the parking attendant refused to accept the coins and asked him to provide a GH¢2 note instead.

The attendant reportedly explained that the coins were not accepted because some customers also refused to take them when they received them as change.

The incident angered the journalist, who questioned why coins issued by the Bank of Ghana as legal tender should be rejected by service providers.

He subsequently lodged a complaint with the Bank of Ghana, which accompanied him to the hospital to verify the matter.

During the verification exercise, another motorbike rider attempted to make a payment using coins, but the payment was reportedly rejected again.

The Bank of Ghana commended Mr Adiebuga for bringing the matter to its attention and encouraged members of the public to report similar incidents.

The incident has renewed concerns about the acceptance of Ghana’s coins in everyday transactions and the need for businesses and service providers to recognise and accept valid legal tender.