By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Growing frustration is mounting across parts of the Volta Region as residents raise serious concerns over the widespread rejection of Ghana’s 20 pesewa coin, a legal currency that many traders, transport operators, and even some banking institutions are reportedly refusing to accept.
A recent survey and public interaction conducted by News Volta across key municipalities including Ketu South Municipality, Ketu North District, Keta Municipality, and Akatsi, revealed growing dissatisfaction among citizens over what many describe as an unlawful and frustrating refusal to trade with the coin.
Despite the Bank of Ghana not issuing any official disclaimer or notice withdrawing the 20 pesewa coin from circulation, many residents say they are unable to use it in everyday transactions.
Traders and Transport Operators Refuse the Coin
According to interactions with residents, market women, shopkeepers, and some transport operators have increasingly declined to accept the coin, often telling customers that it has “no value” or is “no longer accepted.”
Many citizens say this has left them stranded with accumulated coins they cannot spend, despite the currency remaining legal tender under Ghanaian law.
“I have several 20 pesewa coins at home, but no one wants to take them. Even when I try to use them to buy small items, traders reject them,” one frustrated resident in Aflao lamented.
Another resident in Keta questioned why people are refusing legal currency without any official directive.
“If the Bank of Ghana has not withdrawn it, why should people reject it? It is unfair to ordinary citizens,” the resident said.
Banks Allegedly Refusing Deposits
Even more concerning are reports that some banks within the affected enclaves are allegedly refusing to accept deposits of the 20 pesewa coin into customers’ accounts.
Several residents told News Volta that attempts to deposit quantities of the coin at local bank branches were unsuccessful, with some bank officials reportedly discouraging customers from bringing them in.
This development has sparked confusion and anger among the public, with many questioning whether financial institutions can lawfully reject valid Ghanaian currency.
Citizens Demand Clarification from Bank of Ghana
Residents are now calling on the Bank of Ghana to issue an immediate public clarification on the status of the 20 pesewa coin and direct all commercial banks and businesses to comply with the law.
Many believe the current situation is creating unnecessary hardship, particularly for low-income earners and petty traders who rely on every pesewa in daily transactions.
“This may look small to some people, but money is money. Twenty pesewa may not buy much, but it still belongs to us and should be accepted,” another resident stated.
Observers warn that the continued rejection of legal tender could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s currency system and create confusion in the marketplace.
Residents are urging authorities to enforce compliance and educate the public on the legal status of all circulating coins to prevent discrimination against smaller denominations.
For now, many in the Volta Region remain stuck with coins they cannot spend—hoping for urgent intervention to restore trust and fairness in everyday transactions.
Source News Volta
