The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has advised members of the public to take all torn, soiled or otherwise damaged Ghana Cedi banknotes to a commercial bank for examination and replacement, rather than attempting to repair them with adhesive tape.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the central bank said the guidance had become necessary following a video circulating on social media showing individuals repairing and re-joining torn and soiled banknotes with tape for re-issuance as a business activity.
According to the Bank, no person should engage in the repair, re-joining or other alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.
It said the Cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol, and that such practices undermine the integrity of the currency and may affect its acceptability and proper processing within the cash cycle.
The central bank said banknotes that have been taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired are unfit for circulation. It warned that such notes may damage automated teller machines and currency processing machines and may be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial loss to members of the public.
The Bank said it holds the sole mandate for the management of Ghana's currency.
As such, all mutilated banknotes should be presented to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with its laid-down procedures. Members of the public were specifically advised that when presenting a mutilated banknote for examination, more than half of the original banknote should be presented.
The public was further advised not to tape, glue, staple, re-join or otherwise attempt to repair damaged banknotes. The Bank encouraged members of the public to handle Ghana Cedi banknotes with care and to report persons engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the central bank or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
"Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride," the statement said.