The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against engaging in unlicensed foreign exchange activities, stressing that such practices including black market dealings, pricing, quoting, advertising, invoicing, or making and receiving payments in foreign currencies are strictly prohibited under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723).
In a statement issued last week and signed by Ms. Aimee V. Quashie on behalf of the Secretary of the BoG, the central bank directed both individuals and institutions to cease such practices immediately.
The Bank reiterated that the Ghana Cedi remains the sole legal tender in the country, and no resident may price, advertise, invoice, or accept payment in foreign currency unless duly licensed or authorized by the BoG.
The restrictions cover transactions including:
Payment of school fees
Sale and rental of vehicles
Sale and rental of real estate
Airline tickets
Domestic contracts
Retail shopping
Online sales
Hotel accommodation
The BoG clarified that foreign currency invoices may be issued only to expatriates or non-residents, with all proceeds required to be paid into a Foreign Exchange Account (FEA) with a licensed bank.
Quoted exchange rates, it added, must align with commercial banks’ prevailing market rates and be benchmarked against the BoG’s published reference rate.
The statement further assured the public that legitimate external payments remain transferable through the formal banking system, subject to regulatory thresholds and commercial bank processes.
The central bank underscored its commitment to strict enforcement of the law, warning that violators will face sanctions and possible legal action in line with Act 723.
Consequently, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is advising its members who plan to travel abroad to load funds onto their credit or Visa cards rather than carry large amounts of cash.
The directive is to help members comply with the Bank of Ghana’s revised thresholds on foreign currency holdings: US$10,000 for inbound travelers and US$50,000 for outbound travelers.
The new guidelines, introduced as part of broader anti-money laundering measures, regulate the importation and exportation of foreign currency.
Executive Secretary of IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, welcomed the central bank’s move, describing it as consistent with international best practices.
“You can load more than US$10,000 onto your credit card or Visa card. If you need to purchase goods above that amount, it should be done through a proper bank-to-bank transaction. That’s why we are encouraging the business community to sign up for credit cards and use them for international trade,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has reiterated that:
Travelers carrying over US$10,000 must declare it in full using the official FX-5 form from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), stating the source and purpose of the funds.
Inbound travelers with more than US$10,000 must also provide proof of declaration from their port of origin.
Outbound travelers carrying over US$50,000 must declare the funds and submit supporting documents such as endorsed forex bureau receipts and bank slips showing withdrawal or purchase of the currency.
