Woman allegedly assaulted over 20pesewa coin in Ho market

A troubling incident unfolded at the Ho Market when a 39-year-old yakayake seller, Elizabeth Ganyo, was allegedly assaulted by a takeaway rubber seller following a dispute over a 20-pesewa coin.

The altercation has sparked renewed concerns about the growing rejection of small denomination coins in the market.

According to Elizabeth, she used several 20-pesewa coins to pay for a GH₵4 pack of takeaway rubber. However, the seller reportedly gave the coins to another customer as change. When the customer refused to accept them, the seller confronted Elizabeth, insisting that the coins were no longer legal tender and demanded the rubber back.

Elizabeth said she complied and returned the rubber, but was then slapped and physically dragged by the seller.

Speaking to Swiss FM, a Ho-based radio station, Elizabeth recounted her ordeal, stating that a Nigerian pastor and some traders intervened to separate the two. She immediately reported the incident to the police post within the market and was referred to the Ho Municipal Police Station.

There, she was issued a medical form to seek treatment at the hospital. However, due to financial difficulties, she could not afford hospital care and instead purchased painkillers from the market to manage her symptoms.

Elizabeth revealed that she can identify her attacker and has since reported the incident to the office of the Member of Parliament for Ho Central. She also disclosed that she was later given a CID contact number at the MP's office. The CID officer reportedly advised her to return to the police command on Thursday for an escort to help locate the assailant in the market.

Despite these efforts, checks indicate that no arrest had been made as of Sunday. According to the Ho Municipal Police Commander, the case remains open, but he urged the victim to return with either the completed medical form or witnesses to aid the investigation.

Elizabeth explained that her inability to return the medical form was due to her lack of funds to visit the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has confirmed that both the 20-pesewa and 10-pesewa coins remain legal tender. The bank acknowledged receiving complaints about the growing rejection of these coins and stated that it plans to undertake a public education campaign soon.

The incident has shed light on a broader issue: the increasing refusal of small denomination coins by traders, drivers, and keke riders in Ho and its surrounding communities. The rejection has raised concerns about market conduct, public awareness, and the protection of lawful currency.

Elizabeth continues to suffer from pain and stomach discomfort due to the medication she purchased. Her case has also highlighted the need to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable traders in local markets.

Members of the public and civic leaders are now calling on the Ho Municipal Police to act swiftly to arrest and prosecute the perpetrator. The incident underscores the need for clearer communication on the validity of small coins and respect for Ghana’s legal tender across all communities.

As the investigation continues, many are watching closely, hoping for justice and broader reforms that ensure such incidents do not repeat.