The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against repairing and re-joining torn or soiled Ghana cedi banknotes with adhesive tape for re-issuance or recirculation.

The warning follows the circulation of a video on social media showing individuals repairing damaged cedi notes as a business activity.

The BoG said such practices undermine the integrity of the currency and could affect its acceptability and proper processing within the cash cycle.

“The Bank of Ghana strongly cautions the public against this practice,” the central bank said in a statement.

It stressed that the Ghana cedi banknote is legal tender and an important national symbol, and said no person should engage in the repair, re-joining or alteration of mutilated banknotes for re-issuance or recirculation.

The BoG also warned that banknotes that have been “taped, glued, stapled or otherwise improperly repaired” are unfit for circulation.

According to the Bank, such notes may damage ATMs and currency processing machines and could be rejected when presented for payment or exchange, potentially resulting in financial losses to members of the public.

The BoG said it has the sole mandate for the management of Ghana’s currency.

It advised members of the public to take mutilated or damaged banknotes to a commercial bank for examination and replacement in accordance with the Bank’s laid-down procedures.

Where a mutilated banknote is presented for examination, more than half of the original banknote should be presented, the BoG said.

The BoG also encouraged the public to handle Ghana cedi banknotes with care and report persons engaged in the improper repair, re-joining or mutilation of banknotes to the Bank or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

“Respect the Cedi. It is our national pride,” the Bank said.