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The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against taping, gluing, stapling or otherwise repairing damaged Ghana cedi banknotes for re-issuance or circulation.
The caution follows the circulation of a video on social media showing individuals repairing torn and soiled cedi notes with adhesive tape as part of a business activity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the central bank said such practices could undermine the integrity and quality of Ghana’s currency.
The BoG emphasised that the Ghana cedi is legal tender and an important national symbol, stressing that individuals are not permitted to repair, rejoin or alter mutilated banknotes for recirculation.
According to the central bank, improperly repaired notes may create difficulties within the cash-handling system and affect their acceptance and processing.
The BoG further cautioned that taped, glued, stapled or otherwise poorly repaired notes could damage automated teller machines (ATMs) and other currency-processing equipment.
Such banknotes may also be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially leaving holders with financial losses.
BoG Outlines Process for Replacing Damaged Notes
The central bank said it remains responsible for the management of Ghana’s currency and has directed members of the public to take mutilated banknotes to commercial banks for assessment and replacement.
It explained that, for a damaged note to qualify for examination, more than half of the original banknote should be available.
The BoG therefore advised the public not to attempt to tape, glue, staple, rejoin or otherwise repair damaged notes before presenting them to a bank.
“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 said.
The central bank also urged the public to handle cedi notes carefully and report individuals involved in the improper repair, rejoining or mutilation of banknotes to the BoG or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The latest warning forms part of the central bank’s efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Ghana cedi while reducing damage to banknotes and the associated cost of replacing currency that is no longer fit for circulation.