Small coins, big problem: Growing refusal of 10, 20 Ghana pesewas

Joseph Osei Sackey Opinion Mar - 16 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read

In recent months, the acceptance of smaller coin denominations, particularly the 10Gp and 20Gp, has become worrying.

Bus conductors, popularly known as “mates”, have engaged in heated arguments and even physical confrontations with passengers over the refusal to accept these legal tender coins.

This situation, if left unaddressed, risks undermining public confidence in our monetary system and creating avoidable social friction.

Legal tender, not optional

Under the laws governing currency issuance in Ghana, coins, such as 10Gp and 20Gp, are legal tender.

They are officially issued by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and form part of the Ghana cedi structure.

The refusal to accept them in everyday transactions is not merely a matter of preference; it borders on a disregard for the authority of our national currency framework.

When a trader or transport operator declines these coins, the burden unfairly shifts to consumers.

Passengers are forced to forfeit small balances or accept rounding practices that gradually erode their purchasing power.

Though each coin may appear insignificant in isolation, the cumulative financial impact over time is substantial, especially for students, low-income earners and daily wage workers.

Slippery slope:

Ghana has been here before. The gradual rejection of the 1Gp coin serves as a cautionary tale. What began as reluctance eventually led to complete abandonment in practical circulation.

Today, many Ghanaians hardly see or use the 1Gp coin, despite the fact that it remains part of our official currency structure.

The current resistance to 10Gp and 20Gp coins could follow the same path if decisive action is not taken.

Allowing legal tender to fade out informally creates inconsistencies in pricing, accounting and financial reporting. It also fuels mistrust in the monetary system.

Economic implications
At first glance, the matter may seem trivial; after all, what is 10Gp? But in economics, perception shapes behaviour.

When citizens lose confidence in the usability of smaller denominations, pricing systems adjust upward.

Businesses round prices to the nearest convenient figure, often to the disadvantage of consumers.

This “rounding effect” contributes subtly to inflationary pressures and distorts real market values.

Furthermore, the production of coins involves public funds. When these coins are rejected and hoarded or discarded, it represents a waste of national resources.

The state bears the cost of minting currency that citizens then refuse to use.

In countries such as the United States, small coin denominations, including pennies, nickels and dimes, remain widely accepted despite ongoing debates about their cost-effectiveness.

They are treated as legitimate components of the monetary system, and refusal to accept them is uncommon in everyday trade.

While economic contexts differ, the principle remains the same: currency issued by a nation’s central authority must command respect and acceptance within that nation.

Role of governance, enforcement

It is time for policymakers, regulators and law enforcement agencies to step in.

Public education campaigns led by the BoG could reinforce awareness that 10Gp and 20Gp coins are valid legal tender. Clear directives should be issued to transport unions, market associations and retail bodies to ensure compliance.

Additionally, enforcement mechanisms, where necessary, should be applied.

When laws are selectively respected, public order gradually weakens.

Addressing this issue promptly will prevent further escalation of conflicts between mates and passengers, traders and customers.