The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against repairing or rejoining torn or damaged Ghana cedi banknotes for the purpose of putting them back into circulation.

The warning follows a video circulating on social media showing individuals repairing torn and soiled banknotes with adhesive tape as a business activity.

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In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the central bank said the practice could undermine the integrity of the country’s currency and create problems within the cash cycle.

“The Ghana Cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol,” the Bank of Ghana said.

It stressed that no individual should engage in the repair, rejoining or alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.

The BoG explained that notes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are not fit for circulation and could damage ATMs and currency-processing machines.

“Such notes may be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial loss to members of the public,” the statement added.

The central bank urged members of the public who have torn or damaged notes not to attempt to repair them themselves.

“Do not tape, glue, staple, re-join or otherwise attempt to repair damaged banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation,” it advised.

Instead, the BoG said mutilated or damaged banknotes should be taken to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in line with its laid-down procedures.

It noted that when a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, more than half of the original note should be available.

The Bank of Ghana further reminded the public that it has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency.

It also encouraged the public to handle cedi banknotes with care and report persons involved in the improper repair, rejoining or mutilation of banknotes to the central bank or appropriate law enforcement authorities.

“RESPECT THE CEDI. IT IS OUR NATIONAL PRIDE,” the statement concluded.

Read the full statement below



NA/MA