BoG, police arrest seven over alleged use of Ghana cedi as bouquets
The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people for allegedly misusing Ghana cedi banknotes by turning them into money bouquets.
The suspects were arrested during a joint operation targeting individuals involved in the production and sale of money bouquets.
Speaking to the media, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, Dianah Bondzi, warned the public against using Ghana cedi notes and coins for decorative purposes at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other social events.
She said such practices amount to the misuse and abuse of the national currency and are prohibited under Ghanaian law.
“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public for using the banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, for birthdays, for graduations, and other similar events, which constitutes the misuse and abuse of the currency, and it is illegal and unlawful,” she said.
Ms Bondzi stressed that the Ghana cedi is the legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be handled with care and respect.
She cautioned that anyone who engages in, assists, facilitates or promotes the misuse of the currency could face arrest and prosecution by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
In a public notice issued on July 14, 2026, the Bank of Ghana stated that using currency notes and coins as decorations, including in money bouquets, jewellery and other artistic creations, constitutes improper use of the currency and may amount to offences under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
The notice also prohibits practices such as spraying money at events, scattering or stepping on currency notes, as well as tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins.
The BoG said it had begun enforcement measures in collaboration with state law enforcement agencies to curb the misuse of currency and protect the integrity, quality and functionality of the Ghana cedi.
The central bank has therefore urged individuals, businesses and institutions to handle the national currency responsibly and report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
Source: Sekunde FM
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