In Ghana, encountering a torn cedi note patched together with sellotape or glue is a familiar daily occurrence at market stalls or during routine cash transactions.
However, it is emerging that what many view as a harmless quick fix could actually place them on the wrong side of the law. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern warning following the emergence of viral social media videos of the act.
These videos exposed individuals operating commercial activities centered around repairing, rejoining, and altering torn and soiled Ghana Cedi banknotes with adhesive tape before putting them back into public circulation.
In response, the central bank emphasized that it holds the sole mandate for managing Ghana’s currency. The BoG says that because the Ghana Cedi banknote serves as official legal tender and an important national symbol, no private individual or enterprise is authorized to repair, rejoin, or alter damaged currency for re-issuance or recirculation.
Beyond violating currency management rules, rejoining torn notes with glue, tape, or staples inflicts serious operational harm. According to the BoG, such improperly repaired banknotes are classified as unfit for circulation.
When introduced into the cash system, they frequently jam and damage Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as bank currency processing equipment. Furthermore, these altered notes risk immediate rejection during payments or exchanges, leaving everyday citizens facing unexpected financial losses.
To protect the integrity of the national currency, the Bank of Ghana is urging the public to handle all banknotes with care. Crucially, the central bank encourages citizens to actively report anyone engaged in the improper repair, rejoining, or mutilation of banknotes directly to the Bank of Ghana or appropriate law enforcement authorities.
“The public is encouraged to handle Ghana Cedi banknotes with care and to report persons engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the statement cautioned.
The caution by the Central Bank signals that what was once treated as an informal daily habit can lead directly to a brush with the law, and hence the public must take note.
