Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has urged traders and businesses to adopt better cash-handling practices to preserve the quality of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
Speaking during the National Clean-Up Exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, Dr. Asiama said proper sanitation and careful handling of cash are essential to extending the lifespan of banknotes, particularly in markets where physical cash remains the dominant means of payment.
“We are looking at this from another perspective, which is the condition of the banknotes, particularly the cedi notes used in our markets. We want those notes to remain clean because research has shown that banknotes can harbour bacteria. As people exchange cash, those bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another.” Dr. Asiama said.
Dr. Asiama said the Central Bank’s participation in the campaign goes beyond environmental sanitation and is also aimed at promoting proper handling of banknotes in markets.
“And for us at the Central Bank, just as I was saying when we went to Agbogbloshie, we want the market environment especially to be clean. We have spoken with officials, we work with them to make sure that the refuse and those other buildups are cleaned constantly,” he said.
Dr. Asiama explained that the Bank of Ghana is working with market authorities to improve sanitation and encourage traders to keep their surroundings clean, stressing that cleaner markets also contribute to better currency management.
The Governor called on traders to avoid practices that damage banknotes, including exposing them to dirt, moisture and other contaminants, and urged market operators to make cleanliness a routine part of their business operations.
He added that the Central Bank will continue to support initiatives that promote cleaner commercial environments and responsible cash-handling practices as part of efforts to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s currency.
