Ghana Central Bank Reiterates Warning Against Practice of Pricing Goods in Forex

Ghana Central Bank Reiterates Warning Against Practice of Pricing Goods in Forex

The Bank of Ghana has warned businesses and the public against the practice of demanding or making payments in foreign currency without its authorization. The central bank’s warning comes just over a month after Ghana’s currency was rated the worst performing among Africa’s top currencies. Violators Face Possible Prison Time

The Ghanaian central bank has reminded the public that the practice of receiving or making payments for goods and services in foreign currency without its express authorization is still prohibited. The bank also similarly warned businesses against “engaging in foreign exchange business without a license issued by the Bank of Ghana.”

In a statement, the Bank of Ghana (BOG) said those caught on the wrong side of regulations face hefty fines. Alternatively, those in violation of the respective regulations face “a term of imprisonment of not more than eighteen (18) months or both.”

Citizens Urged to Report Violations

According to the BOG, only the local currency, the cedi, is the sole legal tender in Ghana. The central bank also indicated it will descend on companies breaking the law and all offenders will be punished in accordance with the law. In the statement, the BOG said: Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with National Security and law enforcement agencies, will continue to clamp down on illegal foreign exchange operations. All offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, in the statement, the BOG said Ghanaian citizens should report any violations of the Foreign Exchange Act to its complaints offices.

The warning by the BOG comes just over a month after the cedi, which depreciated by 8.86% between January 1 and February 25, was named the worst-performing among Africa’s top currencies. The cedi’s fall comes more than a year after it was rated the best-performing currency. Tags in this story Bank of Ghana, cedi, cedi depreciation, Foreign exchange, Ghana Foreign Exchange Act, Law Enforcement, legal tender

What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us what you think in the comments section below. Terence Zimwara

Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route. Namibian Central Bank Announces Plan to Launch CBDC EMERGING MARKETS | 3 days ago Kenya Central Bank Governor: Low Smartphone Penetration Working Against Plan to Launch CBDC EMERGING MARKETS | Apr 1, 2022

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