The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a strong warning against the improper repair and recirculation of mutilated Ghana cedi banknotes following the circulation of a video on social media showing individuals allegedly repairing torn and soiled notes with adhesive tape as a business activity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the central bank said the practice is unacceptable and urged members of the public to desist from repairing, rejoining or otherwise altering damaged banknotes for re-issuance.
According to the BoG, the Ghana cedi is not only legal tender but also an important national symbol, and improper handling of banknotes could affect the integrity and efficiency of the country’s currency system.
The central bank explained that banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are considered unfit for circulation.
Such notes, it warned, could cause problems when processed through automated teller machines (ATMs) and other currency-processing equipment.
They may also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially leaving members of the public to bear the resulting financial loss.
The Bank of Ghana reiterated that it has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency and urged the public to follow the approved procedures for dealing with damaged banknotes.
The central bank said individuals who have torn, soiled or otherwise mutilated cedi notes should not attempt to repair them before putting them back into circulation.
Instead, such notes should be presented to a commercial bank for examination and possible replacement in accordance with the Bank of Ghana’s laid-down procedures.
The BoG further stated that, when a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, more than half of the original note should be available.
This, it said, forms part of the requirements for the assessment and replacement of damaged currency.
The central bank has also appealed to the public to handle Ghana cedi banknotes carefully to help preserve their quality and prolong their usability within the currency cycle.
It advised the public not to tape, glue, staple, rejoin or otherwise attempt to repair damaged notes for the purpose of re-issuing or recirculating them.
The BoG further encouraged members of the public to report individuals or businesses involved in the improper repair, rejoining or mutilation of banknotes to the central bank or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of damaged currency and follows the emergence of social media footage purportedly showing people engaging in the repair of torn and soiled notes as a commercial activity.
The Bank of Ghana stressed that maintaining the integrity of the cedi requires the cooperation of the public and other stakeholders within the cash-handling system.
By 1960news.com
