The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against taping torn and soiled Ghana cedi notes with adhesive for resale or recirculation, warning that the practice threatens the integrity of the country’s currency and could cause financial losses.
The warning follows the circulation of a social media video showing individuals taping and rejoining damaged cedi banknotes as a business activity.
In a statement, the central bank said banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are considered unfit for circulation.
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The BoG explained that improperly repaired cedi notes could damage automated teller machines (ATMs) and currency-processing equipment. Such notes could also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially leaving members of the public at a financial disadvantage.
“The Ghana Cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol. No person should engage in the repair, rejoining, 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 comply with approved procedures for handling damaged banknotes.
The Bank of Ghana advised individuals holding torn, soiled or mutilated cedi banknotes to present them to a commercial bank for examination and possible replacement instead of attempting to repair them for reuse.
According to the central bank, anyone submitting a damaged banknote for examination must present more than half of the original note.
The guidance is intended to ensure that damaged currency is assessed through the appropriate banking procedures rather than being improperly restored and returned to circulation.
The BoG also encouraged the public to handle Ghana cedi banknotes carefully to prevent avoidable damage and preserve their condition.
It urged members of the public to report individuals involved in the improper repair or mutilation of banknotes to the central bank or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The warning highlights the importance of maintaining the quality and integrity of Ghana’s currency as damaged banknotes pass through commercial transactions and the banking system.
The BoG said improperly repaired notes could interfere with cash-handling equipment and create difficulties for individuals and businesses that receive them as payment.
It therefore urged the public to avoid taping, gluing, stapling or altering damaged cedi notes for resale or recirculation and to use the approved procedures for exchanging mutilated banknotes.
The central bank reiterated the national importance of protecting the Ghana cedi, urging citizens to treat banknotes responsibly.
“Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride,” the statement added.