Dear Editor,

I am writing to express concern over the improper manner in which some individuals are handling the Cedi notes.  I have observed for the past few months the sorry state of some of the notes especially the one Ghana Cedi which seem to be losing its value.

Many of the notes I see are very dirty and worn-out due to improper handling by sections to the public, especially traders. Often, I chance on squabbles between bus conductors (drivers’ mates) and passengers on commercial vehicles as some passengers would not accept disfigured notes as change. Similarly, some bus conductors do not accept torn notes as payment from passengers.

This ‘conflict’ does not involve bus conductors and passengers but extends to traders and food vendors as well who also refuse ‘unpresentable’ cedi notes from their customers. I believe all of these could be traced to the general lack of care for the notes which were printed with the tax payer’s money.

I, therefore, wish to call on the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and other key stakeholders to reactivate public education on the need for individuals to be more responsible in handling cash.

We have always been encouraged to neatly fold and keep paper notes in a wallet or a purse but many people continue to disregard this advice. We all need to change our ways.

Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,

University of Cape Coast.