The Bank of Ghana(BOG) has cautioned the public against the rejection of the 1 pesewa, 5 pesewa, 10 pesewa, 20 pesewa and 50 pesewa coins, as well as the GH¢ 1 and GH¢ 2 coins, in payment for goods and services adding that individuals found culpable risk facing a fine or imprisonment.
In a statement released on July 22, 2026, BOG explained that its attention has been drawn to the persistent refusal of most traders, transport operators and other business entities to accept the aforementioned coins in the payment of goods and services.
BOG in the statement also reiterated to the general public that coins still remain as a legal tender in accordance with the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
“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tender for the settlement of debts and the conduct of transactions throughout Ghana, and have not been demonetised or withdrawn from circulation.” The statement read
The Bank also highlighted that offenders found culpable of disregarding this law risk facing imprisonment of up to 3 years, a fine or both.
This punishment, the Bank added, also applies to individuals who encourage, help, or instruct others to commit the offence.
“Deliberately encouraging, helping, or instructing another person to commit this offence, for example, a business owner who instructs staff to reject coins, is punishable in the same way as if that person had committed the offence in person.” BOG added
The Bank of Ghana ended by assuring the public that it is actively engaging with the Ghana Police Service and other agencies towards the enforcement of this law.
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