Residents, traders, and commercial drivers in Dunkwa-On-Offin and across the Upper Denkyira East Municipality have been strongly warned against refusing Ghana coins during business transactions, as offenders risk heavy fines and possible imprisonment under Ghana’s currency laws.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Police Commander, DSP Simon Boavo, issued the warning during an interview on Denkyiraman Radio while addressing the increasing refusal of coins by some taxi drivers, traders, and residents within the municipality.
According to DSP Simon Boavo, coins issued by the Bank of Ghana remain legal tender and must be accepted by every citizen during transactions. He emphasized that any person who deliberately refuses to accept genuine Ghanaian coins would be violating the country’s currency system.
He disclosed that offenders could face a fine of not less than 750 penalty units, estimated at approximately GH¢9,000, or a maximum prison sentence of three years upon conviction.
DSP Simon Boavo further cautioned that persons arrested in connection with the offence could be detained for up to 48 hours pending prosecution.
The Municipal Police Commander therefore called on residents to report any trader, commercial driver, or individual who refuses to accept coins to the Police for immediate action.
Meanwhile, DSP Simon Boavo revealed that the Police Command has already commenced an intensive public sensitization campaign across the municipality ahead of strict enforcement of the law. He explained that the educational exercise currently covers churches, information centers, and radio stations, while similar engagements would soon be extended to mosques and other public gathering places within the municipality.
He concluded by advising residents, transport operators, traders, and business owners to comply with the law and accept coins during transactions, stressing that ignorance of the law would not exempt anyone from punishment once prosecutions begin.
