By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern warning to the public, traders, and commercial operators against the rejection of legal tender coins and the widespread abuse of currency notes during public celebrations and social functions.
The announcement comes in response to growing public complaints regarding business owners refusing small-denomination coins for transactions, as well as the increasing trend of “spraying” banknotes and using paper currency for ornamental bouquets at parties, weddings, and funerals.
Legal Tender Mandate: Coins Must Be Accepted
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana reaffirmed that all notes and coins issued by the central bank remain legal tender and must be honored across all trade and service transactions in the country.
“The notes and coins we issue are legal tender for the payment of goods and services,” the Governor affirmed. “So long as these are genuine notes and coins from the Bank of Ghana, they should be accepted.”
The central bank emphasized that rejecting valid coins issued by the authority constitutes a breach of currency regulations, adding that public sensitization campaigns will be stepped up to educate citizens and vendors on their legal obligations.
Immediate Halt to Money “Spraying” and Currency Bouquets
In a major policy shift targeting currency defacement and public mishandling of local tender, the central bank chief declared an immediate ban on the practice of spraying money on individuals at social gatherings, as well as crafting currency notes into gift bouquets or structural packages.
“One practice we want to discourage is those who spray notes at functions,” the Governor declared. “We are going to make sure that practice is stopped immediately.”
The Governor warned that formal administrative notices have already been served and that the central bank, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will strictly enforce compliance across the country to protect the physical integrity and dignity of the national currency.
“Notice has been issued, and we are going to ensure that we enforce that practice is discontinued,” the Governor added.
The Bank of Ghana reiterated that proper handling of currency is essential to extending the lifespan of physical banknotes, reducing government re-printing costs, and maintaining public respect for national economic symbols.
