The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public not to repair and re-issue torn or soiled Ghana Cedi banknotes after a video emerged on social media showing people joining damaged notes with adhesive tape as a business activity.
The central bank said the Ghana Cedi is legal tender and an important national symbol, and urged people not to take part in any activity that could compromise the integrity of the currency.
It said banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or repaired in any other improper way should not be returned to circulation.
“No person should engage in the repair, re-joining or other alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation,” the BoG said in a statement.
“Such practices undermine the integrity of the currency and may affect its acceptability and proper processing within the cash cycle.”
The BoG explained that improperly repaired notes are considered unfit for circulation. They could damage automated teller machines (ATMs) and other currency-processing equipment, while also being refused when presented for payment or exchange.
That could leave members of the public facing financial losses, the central bank added.
How damaged notes should be handled
The BoG said members of the public should take mutilated banknotes to a commercial bank, where they can be examined and replaced under the central bank’s established procedures.
More than half of the original banknote must be presented when a damaged note is submitted for examination.
The central bank restated its warning in direct terms: “Do not tape, glue, staple, re-join or otherwise attempt to repair damaged banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.”
It also advised the public 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 followed the circulation of the social media video showing people repairing and re-joining torn and soiled Ghana Cedi notes with adhesive tape before putting them back into use as part of a business activity.
The BoG encouraged people to handle Ghana Cedi banknotes carefully to help preserve their condition.
It also asked members of the public to report anyone involved in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank of Ghana or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
