The Bank of Ghana, working with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people accused of misusing Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets. The suspects were apprehended during a joint swoop aimed at those involved in the production and sale of such bouquets and were subsequently arraigned at Police Headquarters in Accra.
Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department, Dianah Bondzi, cautioned the public against using Ghana cedi notes and coins for decorative purposes at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other social events. She said the practice constitutes misuse and abuse of the national currency and is prohibited under Ghana’s laws.
Ms Bondzi added that the Ghana cedi is the legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect. She warned that anyone who engages in, aids, facilitates or promotes the misuse of the currency risks arrest and prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The Bank of Ghana’s public notice dated 14 July 2026 states that using currency notes and coins as decorations, including money bouquets, jewellery and other artistic creations, amounts to improper use and may constitute offences under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242). The notice also bans practices such as spraying money at events, scattering or stepping on currency notes, tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins.
In response, the Bank has initiated enforcement measures in collaboration with state law enforcement agencies to address currency misuse and protect the integrity, quality and functionality of the Ghana cedi. It urges individuals, businesses and institutions to handle the national currency responsibly and report suspected breaches to the appropriate authorities.
