Dr. Hassan Ayariga, leader of the All People's Congress (APC), has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to provide the specific legal provisions that underpin the arrest of individuals using genuine Ghana cedi notes to create money bouquets and other decorative arrangements. This follows the arrest of seven individuals for using cedi notes in money bouquets and cakes prepared for celebrations. Ayariga argues that a distinction must be made between deliberate mutilation of the cedi and its use in gift arrangements.
Ayariga questioned whether using legitimate banknotes as gifts automatically amounts to unlawful treatment of the currency. He emphasized that Ghanaians have the right to give their legitimately earned money as gifts during weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. According to him, where banknotes have not been torn, defaced, destroyed, or permanently altered, the BoG must clearly establish the specific law that has been breached before taking enforcement action.
The APC leader maintained that the BoG's enforcement activities must be grounded in law and respect the rights of citizens. He stated that the Bank of Ghana is a regulatory institution, not a law unto itself, and that any arrest must have a clear legal foundation, follow due process, and respect the constitutional rights of citizens. Ayariga urged the central bank to publicly clarify the legal position and provide clear guidance on what constitutes acceptable presentation of cedi notes as gifts.
The arrest of the seven individuals was a result of their use of cedi notes in money bouquets and cakes prepared for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations. Ayariga's comments suggest that the BoG's actions may be perceived as overreaching, and that the bank needs to provide a clear justification for its actions. The issue has sparked a debate about the limits of using national currency in gift arrangements.
Ayariga acknowledged the need to safeguard the integrity of the national currency but emphasized that this must be done in a way that respects the rights of citizens. He called on the BoG to balance its regulatory responsibilities with the need to respect the constitutional rights of Ghanaians. The issue is likely to continue to generate debate and discussion in Ghana.
The Bank of Ghana has not publicly responded to Ayariga's comments, but it is expected to provide clarity on the issue. The central bank's actions have raised concerns about the limits of its regulatory powers and the impact on citizens' rights. Ayariga's challenge to the BoG is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in Ghanaian circles.
The outcome of this debate is likely to have implications for the use of national currency in gift arrangements in Ghana. Ayariga's call for clarity on the legal position is a reasonable one, and it is expected that the BoG will provide a response. The key points to watch are:
Key points
- Dr. Hassan Ayariga challenges the BoG to cite the specific law behind arrests over cedi money bouquets.
- Ayariga argues that using legitimate banknotes as gifts does not automatically amount to unlawful treatment of the currency.
- The BoG is expected to provide clarity on the legal position and guidance on acceptable presentation of cedi notes as gifts.
