The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has urged traders and businesses to protect banknotes from dirt, moisture, and other contaminants to preserve their quality 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 cash-handling practices 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. ”Dr. Asiama said
Dr Asiama explained that the Bank of Ghana joined the nationwide clean-up exercise not only to promote environmental sanitation but also to encourage the 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 are working with officials to make sure that refuse and other buildups are clean constantly
