By Edith Atiaka Eshun
A Board Member of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Stephen Senyo Sapati, has expressed concern over the increasing refusal of Ghanaian coins in everyday transactions, describing the situation as unfortunate.
He stressed that coins remain legal tender and must not be rejected under any circumstances.
Speaking to GBC Radio Ghana at the 2026 Tema Presbytery Representative Conference in Sakumono, Dr Sapati said the issue had also been raised at a recent meeting in Tamale, where traditional leaders and opinion leaders shared similar concerns.
He assured the public that the Bank’s management and Board are treating the matter with urgency.
According to him, discussions are ongoing, and a lasting solution is expected to be reached at the next Board meeting. He added that a formal communiqué will be issued by the central bank to address the issue.
Dr Sapati emphasised that coins are legally recognised and must be accepted in all transactions. He noted that the key solution lies in public education to help citizens appreciate the importance of using both notes and coins as part of the national currency.
“It’s just very unfortunate because the coins are also legal tender, which they should not reject. But this has come to our notice after we held Board meetings in the Northern Region, Tamale. We happened to visit some of the chiefs and opinion leaders. They also raised the same issue. So our Governor, management of the Bank, and the Board are taking it seriously. I’m sure at the next Board meeting we’ll have a lasting solution. A publication will definitely come out; it will be a communiqué from the Bank of Ghana because it’s a concern to all of us. It is legal tender, so no one is supposed to reject it. What is needed is education.”
When asked whether law enforcement could be considered, especially following reports of outright refusal by some individuals, Dr Sapati said the issue has not yet been formally brought before the Board. However, he assured that any such cases will be reviewed when they come to their attention.
The Bank of Ghana is expected to intensify public education as part of measures to address the situation.
