The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has launched a warning against the growing practice of using currency notes as decorative gifts, particularly in the form of money bouquets, describing the trend as an unlawful misuse of Ghana’s legal tender.
In a notice issued on July 14, the Central Bank said the increasing use of banknotes for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays and graduations had resulted in the improper handling and damage of currency.
The BoG explained that Ghana’s currency was issued strictly as a medium of exchange and should not be converted into decorative items, jewellery or artistic displays.
According to the Bank, activities involved in making money bouquets, including folding, piercing, stapling or altering banknotes, amounted to tampering with legal tender and could reduce the lifespan and quality of currency notes in circulation.
The warning comes amid the rising popularity of money bouquets, which have become common features at social events, with individuals presenting bundles of arranged cash as gifts to celebrate special occasions.
The directive is expected to impact businesses and individuals involved in the production and sale of customised money bouquets, including event planners and gift vendors who have built services around the trend.
The BoG urged the public to handle currency responsibly and preserve banknotes to ensure they remain fit for circulation.
The Central Bank stressed that protecting the integrity of the cedi was a collective responsibility and called on Ghanaians to adopt practices that promote the proper use and durability of the national currency.
