The founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr Hassan Ayariga, has urged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to provide clarity on the legal basis for recent arrests linked to the arrangement of Ghana cedi notes as gifts. According to Dr Ayariga, the central bank must distinguish between the deliberate destruction or mutilation of currency and the legitimate practice of arranging cedi notes as gifts for loved ones during celebrations.
Dr Ayariga argued that Ghanaians should be allowed to give their legitimately earned money as gifts at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other occasions, provided the currency is not damaged. He emphasized that if currency notes are not torn, defaced, destroyed, or permanently altered, the Bank of Ghana must explain precisely which provision of the law has been violated.
The Bank of Ghana has arrested several individuals for using cedi notes to make money bouquets and cakes. Dr Ayariga maintained that the BoG, although responsible for regulating the country’s currency, must operate within the confines of the law and respect the constitutional rights of citizens. He stated that any arrest must have a clear legal foundation, follow due process and respect the constitutional rights of citizens.
Dr Ayariga called for a reasonable approach to regulation and enforcement, insisting that citizens must be treated with dignity. He urged the Bank of Ghana to provide clarity on the legal provisions underpinning the arrests and draw a clear distinction between harmless gift packaging and conduct that genuinely damages or defaces the currency.
The issue has sparked debate about the limits of currency regulation and the rights of citizens. While protecting the integrity of the national currency is important, enforcement measures should not undermine the rights and legitimate businesses of Ghanaians.
According to reports, seven individuals were arrested by the BoG for using cedi notes to make money bouquets and cakes. The arrests have raised concerns about the bank’s approach to regulating the use of the national currency.
Dr Ayariga’s comments have sparked a national conversation about the balance between protecting the national currency and respecting the rights of citizens. The Bank of Ghana has yet to respond to Dr Ayariga’s comments, but it is expected to provide further clarification on its policies and actions.
Key points
- Dr Hassan Ayariga has called on the Bank of Ghana to justify its recent arrests of individuals for arranging cedi notes as gifts.
- The arrests have sparked debate about the limits of currency regulation and the rights of citizens.
- Dr Ayariga has urged the Bank of Ghana to provide clarity on the legal provisions underpinning the arrests.
