The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against taping, glueing, stapling or otherwise repairing the cedi banknotes.
The central bank urged the public to desist from repairing damaged cedi notes for re-issuance or recirculation, following the circulation of a social media video showing individuals using adhesive tape to rejoin torn and soiled Ghana cedi banknotes as a business activity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the BoG cautioned that such practices undermine the integrity of the national currency.
“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 BoG further explained that improperly repaired banknotes may affect their acceptability and processing within the cash cycle.
It further warned that banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired could damage automated teller machines (ATMs) and other currency-processing equipment.
Such notes may also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial losses for members of the public.
The central bank therefore advised individuals with damaged or mutilated banknotes to take them to a commercial bank for examination and possible replacement in accordance with the BoG’s established procedures.
“Members of the public are advised to take all mutilated or damaged banknotes to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with the Bank of Ghana’s laid-down procedures,” the statement added.
In other news, the Bank of Ghana (BoG), together with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and cakes.
Dinah Bonzi, the Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the Bank of Ghana, disclosed that the exercise is intended to send a strong warning to individuals and businesses involved in the practice.
According to the BoG, the arrests form part of the central bank’s enforcement action against the misuse, abuse, and illegal handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
The BoG disclosed that seven individuals were arrested at various locations in Accra, adding that the seven arrested used the cedi banknotes to create bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
Dinah Bonzi stated, “The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public for using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, for birthdays, for graduations, and other similar events, which constitutes the misuse and abuse of the currency and is illegal and unlawful”.
“Following today’s arrest on the alleged abuse of the Ghana currency, the bank wants to clearly state that persons found engaging in, aiding, promoting or facilitating such acts will be arrested and prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” she said.
“The Ghana cedi is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law,” Diana Bonzi added.
Diana Bonzi added that the BoG and the individuals arrested will be prosecuted, with possible sanctions including fines or imprisonment.
“From here they will be prosecuted,” she said. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
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