The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has urged traders and market operators to handle the cedi with greater care, warning that dirty and damaged banknotes pose both economic and public health concerns.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, made the call during the National Clean-Up Exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, stressing the need for improved cash-handling practices, especially in busy markets across the country.

He said the poor condition of some cedi notes increases the cost of replacing worn-out currency and could also create hygiene risks.

BoG Governor joins Agbogbloshie clean-up exercise, urges proper handling of cedi

“We are looking at this from another perspective, which is the condition of the banknotes, particularly the cedi notes used in our markets. We want those notes to remain clean because research has shown that banknotes can harbour bacteria. As people exchange cash, those bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another,” he said.

For the Central Bank, the issue goes beyond sanitation, as poorly handled currency is more likely to be damaged and removed from circulation, increasing the cost of printing replacement notes.

Dr Asiama said cleaner market environments would contribute to cleaner banknotes and help reduce the frequency at which currency is replaced.

He cited the Bank’s collaboration with market authorities, including those at Agbogbloshie, where efforts have been made to promote regular refuse clean-ups.

“Just as I was saying when we went to Agbogbloshie, we want the market environment especially to be clean. We have spoken with officials, we work with them to make sure that the refuse and those other buildups are cleaned constantly,” he said.

Dr Asiama called on traders to protect banknotes from dirt and moisture and urged market operators to make cleanliness part of their daily activities.

He added that the Bank of Ghana would continue to support sanitation initiatives and promote responsible cash-handling practices to protect the integrity of Ghana’s currency.

DR/MA