The Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service have arrested seven individuals in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to create money bouquets and cakes for sale. The arrests were made at different locations in Accra, and the suspects are expected to face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. The Bank of Ghana has warned against misusing cedi notes and coins, including using them to make decorative items for events.
According to Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG's Currency Management Department, the arrested individuals were found to be using cedi notes to produce decorative items for customers. The Bank of Ghana has issued a warning to the general public against using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes, and other similar items, which constitutes a misuse and abuse of the currency and is considered illegal.
The Bank of Ghana has emphasized that the Ghana cedi is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offense and may attract sanctions under the law. The central bank has also warned against spraying money at events, scattering or stepping on banknotes, and tearing, crumpling, staining, or writing on notes.
The latest action follows a notice issued by the BoG in July 2026 warning the public against several forms of currency misuse. The BoG has urged the public to take the arrests seriously and handle Ghana's currency responsibly. The Bank will continue working with law enforcement agencies to deal with people who misuse, promote, or facilitate the practice.
Money bouquets are often displayed at weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other events. The arrested individuals will face prosecution and could face fines or imprisonment under the applicable laws. The BoG has warned that violators could face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
The Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service are working together to curb the misuse of cedi notes. The public is urged to report any instances of currency misuse to the authorities. The BoG will continue to monitor the situation and take action against those who engage in prohibited acts.
The arrests serve as a strong warning to individuals and businesses involved in the practice of using cedi notes to make money bouquets and other decorative items. The BoG has emphasized that the misuse of the currency is a serious offense and will not be tolerated.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana has arrested seven people for using Ghana cedi notes to make money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
- The misuse of cedi notes is considered an offense and may attract sanctions under the law.
- The BoG will continue working with law enforcement agencies to deal with people who misuse, promote, or facilitate the practice.
