The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against repairing and re-joining torn or soiled Ghana Cedi banknotes with adhesive tape for re-issuance or recirculation.
The warning follows the circulation of a video on social media showing individuals repairing damaged banknotes with adhesive tape as a business activity.
The BoG said such practices undermine the integrity of the Ghana Cedi and could affect its acceptability and proper processing within the cash cycle.
It stressed that banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are unfit for circulation.
According to the central bank, improperly repaired notes may damage ATMs and currency processing machines and could be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial loss to members of the public.
The BoG emphasised that the Ghana Cedi is legal tender and an important national symbol, and urged the public not to engage in the repair, re-joining or alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.
It said the Bank of Ghana has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency.
The central bank advised members of the public with mutilated or damaged banknotes to take them to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with the Bank’s laid-down procedures.
It added that when a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, more than half of the original banknote should be presented.
The BoG further advised the public not to tape, glue, staple, re-join or otherwise attempt to repair damaged banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.
It encouraged the public to handle Ghana Cedi banknotes with care and report persons engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
“Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride,” the Bank said.
