Traders in Ellembelle reject 10 and 20 pesewas coins despite BoG warning

Some traders and vendors in the Ellembelle District have begun refusing to accept 10 and 20 pesewas coins in everyday transactions, despite the absence of any directive from the Bank of Ghana.

The growing practice, which appears to be spreading across sections of the district, has raised concerns among consumers and authorities, as sellers increasingly decline the coins for purchases.

Investigations by the Ghana News Agency indicate that some traders consider the coins inconvenient to handle and store, while others claim they hold little practical value in current market transactions.

However, a source at the Bank of Ghana head office in Accra, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that the central bank has not withdrawn any denomination of the Ghanaian currency from circulation.

The source stressed that rejecting any legal tender remains an offence under the law and is punishable.

The Bank has also begun public sensitisation efforts to reinforce that the 10 and 20 pesewas coins remain valid for all transactions.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has urged the public to report any individuals or businesses that refuse to accept recognised denominations of the currency.

The development has created inconvenience for consumers, with some forced to accept goods of lesser value in place of proper change.

As of late 2024, the 20 pesewas coin alone accounted for about GH¢120 million in circulation, underscoring its continued importance in facilitating small change transactions across the country.