Rejecting Coins Risk Arrest And Prosecution - BoG Warns

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned that traders, transport operators and other businesses that refuse to accept Ghana cedi coins could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment under the country’s currency laws.

In a public notice issued on 22 July, the central bank said it had observed the “widespread and persistent refusal” by some businesses to accept all denominations of Ghana cedi coins, including 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesewa coins as well as GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, when customers pay for goods and services.

The BoG said all coins it has issued remain legal tender and have not been withdrawn or demonetised. It stressed that no trader, transport operator, business, or individual has the right to reject them because they are considered inconvenient, of low value, or based on personal preference.

The central bank said refusing to sell goods or provide services simply because a customer is paying with coins constitutes an offence under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).

It said anyone convicted could face a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both. Business owners who instruct employees to reject coins could also face the same penalties. The BoG added that anyone caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.

The bank said it would work with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and take action against individuals and businesses found culpable.

It also encouraged members of the public to report incidents of coin rejection to the nearest Bank of Ghana office, the police or the bank’s official communication channels.

The notice follows an earlier directive issued on 14 July warning against the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins. The latest notice focuses specifically on the refusal to accept coins despite their status as legal tender.

The Bank of Ghana urged individuals, businesses and institutions to support the proper use of the national currency by accepting and handling all denominations in accordance with the law.