The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against taping, gluing or stapling torn cedi banknotes for resale or recirculation, directing holders of damaged notes to submit them to commercial banks for examination and possible replacement.
The caution follows the circulation of a social media video showing individuals repairing and rejoining torn and soiled Ghana cedi notes with adhesive tape as a business activity.
In a statement dated October 7, 2026, the central bank said improperly repaired banknotes are unfit for circulation and could undermine the integrity of the currency.
According to the BoG, such notes may damage automated teller machines (ATMs) and currency-processing equipment. They could also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially causing financial losses to their holders.
“The Ghana Cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol. No person should engage in the repair, re-joining or other alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation,” the statement said.
The central bank stressed that it has the sole mandate for managing Ghana’s currency and urged the public to use approved channels when dealing with damaged notes.
“All mutilated banknotes should be presented to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with the Bank’s laid-down procedures,” it said.
The BoG added that more than half of the original banknote must be presented for examination.
The warning comes days after the central bank and the Ghana Police Service arrested seven people in Accra over the alleged sale of cedi notes fashioned into money bouquets and cakes.
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The seven suspects, all reported to be women, were arrested at different locations in Accra on Monday, October 5, 2026, as part of an enforcement operation targeting the improper handling of Ghanaian currency.
The latest advisory reinforces the central bank’s efforts to protect the cedi and discourage practices it considers harmful to the currency’s integrity and proper circulation.
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The BoG has urged the public to handle banknotes carefully and report people involved in the improper repair, rejoining or mutilation of notes to the central bank or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
“Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride,” the statement added.
