Traders in Ketu South Reject 20 Pesewas Coins Despite Legal Tender Status
- Some traders in Agbozume, Denu, Aflao, and other places in Ketu South have rejected the 20 pesewas coin
- The Assembly plans to do a sensitisation program to stop the rejection of the traders of Ketu South
- Items that should be priced at 20p are now being priced at 50 pesewas by the traders in the traders in the markets across
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The rejection of the 20 pesewas coins by some traders and shop owners in some areas of Ketu South is becoming a growing concern, impacting daily transactions and raising questions about the legal tender status of the currency.
Source: Getty Images
Despite the coin remaining valid, many vendors are refusing to accept it, forcing consumers to use other denominations or abandon purchases altogether.
Paula Dotse, a resident of the Amedeta community in Denu, shared her experience regarding the widespread rejection of the 20 pesewas coin.
“When you take 20 pesewas coins to the stores to buy something, they [storeowners] will tell you directly that they are no longer accepting it. Especially, some three women who sell along the road, will never accept it. Whether it is old or new, they won't accept it. I'm also someone who doesn't like having issues, and so when they reject the coin, I either leave or use another denomination,” she told YEN.com.gh
Dotse continued that “I personally run a small provision shop at home and still accept the 20 pesewas coins, but others say they won't accept.”
Impact on consumers and pricing
The rejection of the 20 pesewas coin has led to a shift in pricing strategies among some traders, with implications for consumers.
Vena, a resident of Agbozume, said, “It is the trend for some of them [traders] now. What some of them are doing is that they don't want to price anything at 20 pesewas. You can enter a store to buy a toffee which normally costs 20 pesewas and they will tell you that they are selling at 50 pesewas for two toffees.”
This practice effectively removes the 20 pesewas denomination from transactions, even for items traditionally priced at that value.
Trader perspectives and official response
A trader who was also rejecting the coin, Akos, explained why she started rejecting the denomination.
“I hadn't heard about it until recently, when I went to the market and witnessed a storeowner rejecting the coin. Other traders in the market also did not accept it. So, when I came home, I also decided to stop accepting it in my store,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ketu South, Hon. Nicholas Kwabla Worclachie, addressed the issue, acknowledging the problem and outlining potential solutions.
In an interview with YEN, the MCE said, “It's true some people are engaging in that illegality by rejecting the coin. I was at a program in Aflao recently when that issue was raised by many people. Although I personally haven't experienced it before, I have been hearing the complaints.”
Hon. Worclachie further indicated plans to address the situation.
“...we intend to carry out a sensitization exercise in our various markets, and if the rejection continues, we would have to start arresting and prosecuting those engaging in the act,” he said.
Source: Getty Images
Market women demand apology from KMA boss
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that traders in Kumasi expressed their displeasure after the new KMA boss threatened to lash those selling on pavements and roadsides.
Boadi gave the traders a two-week ultimatum to vacate the central business district as part of a decongestion exercise, which took place on April 16, 2025.
The KMA boss's comments have sparked backlash, with traders calling for an apology, stating that the threat was disrespectful.
Source: YEN.com.gh
