The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has stepped up enforcement against the misuse of Ghana cedi notes and coins, with seven people arrested for allegedly producing and selling money bouquets.
The suspects were arrested in a joint operation by the BoG and the Ghana Police Service targeting individuals involved in the use of cedi notes for decorative purposes. They were subsequently arraigned at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
The arrests form part of measures being implemented by the central bank to protect the integrity and quality of the national currency.
Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, Dianah Bondzi, said the enforcement action should serve as a warning to individuals and businesses involved in the practice.
She said the use of cedi notes and coins to make money bouquets, money cakes and other decorative items for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar occasions was 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, as the country’s legal tender, must be handled responsibly and protected from practices that could damage its physical condition.
She warned that not only producers and sellers, but also persons who aid, facilitate or promote the misuse of the currency could face arrest and prosecution.
Other prohibited practices
The BoG’s July 14, 2026 public notice lists several practices it considers improper use of the currency.
These include using banknotes and coins as decorations, jewellery and other artistic creations, as well as spraying money at social events.
The notice also cautions against scattering or stepping on banknotes, tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or otherwise damaging the currency.
The central bank said it had begun working with state law enforcement agencies to enforce the rules and address practices that undermine the integrity, quality and functionality of Ghana’s currency.
It has consequently urged individuals, businesses and institutions to handle cedi notes and coins responsibly and report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
