The Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service have arrested seven people for allegedly using banknotes to produce Ghana cedi money bouquets and other decorative items, as the central bank steps up enforcement against what it describes as currency abuse.
The suspects were arrested at different locations in Accra during a joint operation targeting individuals allegedly producing money bouquets and money cakes for commercial purposes.
Head of the Statistics Office at the Bank of Ghana’s Currency Management Department, Dinah Bonzi, said the operation should serve as a warning to businesses and individuals involved in the practice.
“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public for using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, for birthdays, for graduations, and other similar events,” she said.
BoG Warns of Prosecution
The central bank says people who produce, promote, facilitate or assist in the misuse of Ghana cedi notes and coins risk arrest and prosecution.
According to Ms Bonzi, the seven suspects are expected to face prosecution, with possible sanctions under the applicable law including fines or imprisonment.
“The Ghana cedi is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect,” she said.
The enforcement follows a Bank of Ghana notice issued on July 14, 2026, cautioning against the unconventional handling of the national currency.
The notice specifically identifies money bouquets, jewellery made with currency, spraying money at social events and stepping on banknotes as practices that may constitute improper use under the Currency Act, 1964, Act 242.
Tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing or otherwise damaging notes and coins are also prohibited.
The Bank says the latest enforcement exercise is intended to protect the quality and functionality of currency in circulation and has urged businesses and individuals to handle the cedi responsibly.
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