It is emerging that refusing to accept Ghana cedi coins as a legal medium of exchange could now come with serious legal consequences, including a jail term or fine.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in a latest notice, has warned that traders, transport operators, businesses and individuals who reject the country’s legal tender risk prosecution, fines and up to three years’ imprisonment.
In a strongly-worded public notice, the central bank bemoaned what it described as the widespread and persistent refusal to accept the 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢1 and GH¢2 coins, in everyday commercial transactions.
This warning comes just a week after the Bank issued another notice cautioning the public against the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi banknotes and coins, signalling a broader campaign to protect the integrity and lawful use of the national currency.
According to the Bank, all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain legal tender and have neither been demonetised nor withdrawn from circulation. Consequently, no trader, transport operator, shop owner, business entity or individual has the legal right to refuse them simply because they are considered inconvenient, of low value or personally undesirable.
For many Ghanaians, being told “we don’t take coins” has become a familiar experience when paying for transport fares, groceries, food, medicines and other everyday purchases. In many instances, customers are either compelled to round up prices, forgo their change altogether or purchase additional items because sellers refuse to accept or return coins.
The Bank has clarified that such practices are unlawful. Under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), it is an offence for any person to refuse to sell goods or provide services merely because a customer chooses to pay with legal tender coins or banknotes that remain valid.
Per the law, persons convicted of the offence could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
The law also goes beyond those who directly reject coins. Business owners or managers who instruct employees to refuse coins, or anyone who deliberately encourages another person to reject legal tender, may face the same criminal penalties as the individual carrying out the act.
The Bank further noted that anyone caught committing the offence may be arrested without a warrant.
