Sierra Leoneans are voicing their concerns and demanding clarification on the functionality of the Sierra Leone 5 cent coin, commonly referred to as “five block.” Many citizens are experiencing difficulties as business establishments, including drivers and merchants, are increasingly refusing to accept these coins, asserting that they are impractical for transactions within the country.
In an interview conducted by Sieraloaded, citizens shared their frustrations and sought answers from the authorities. Susan Wright, a student at FBC University in Sierra Leone, expressed concern about drivers and their apprentices consistently rejecting the five-cent coins. She urged the Sierra Leone Bank Governor to provide an explanation regarding the significance of these coins and where they are intended to be used in the country.
On the other hand, Abu Sesay, a businessman operating in the central business district of Freetown, contested the claims made by customers. He argued that customers themselves are refusing to accept coins as change, leading to a situation where many business owners, in turn, are reluctant to collect these coins from their patrons.
This growing issue appears to be a two-sided problem, with both customers and businesses contributing to the reluctance surrounding the acceptance of five-cent coins. As a result, a considerable number of citizens find themselves grappling with a limited usability of these coins in everyday transactions.
The plea from citizens, especially students like Susan Wright, highlights the urgency for an official explanation from the Sierra Leone Bank Governor. Addressing the concerns raised by the public and providing guidance on the appropriate use of the five-cent coins could help alleviate the prevailing confusion and foster a smoother circulation of these coins in the economy.
The situation emphasizes the need for effective communication between monetary authorities and the public to ensure a harmonious flow of currency in daily transactions. As the discussions around the functionality of the five-cent coin continue, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the citizens’ demands and work towards resolving the challenges surrounding the acceptance of these coins in Sierra Leone.
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