Dr Hassan Ayariga, Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress, has challenged the Bank of Ghana to state the specific legal basis for arresting individuals who use genuine Ghana cedi notes to create gift bouquets, cakes and other decorative arrangements. His remarks come after seven people were detained over the use of cedi notes in money bouquets and cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.
Mr Ayariga said the Bank of Ghana must distinguish between the deliberate mutilation or destruction of currency and the use of genuine banknotes as gifts. "Ghanaians have the right to give their legitimately earned money as gifts during weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations," he said. "If currency notes are not torn, defaced, destroyed or permanently altered, the Bank of Ghana must explain precisely which provision of the law has been violated," he added.
While acknowledging the need to protect the integrity of the cedi, he urged enforcement to remain within the law and respect citizens’ rights. "The Bank of Ghana is a regulatory institution, not a law unto itself. Any arrest must have a clear legal foundation, follow due process and respect the constitutional rights of citizens," he said. Mr Ayariga called on the Bank to publicly clarify the legal position and provide clear guidance on the difference between acceptable gift packaging and conduct that constitutes unlawful treatment of the currency.
The Bank of Ghana has yet to respond to the call for clarification. Observers note that the incident highlights tensions between monetary policy enforcement and civil liberties in Ghana.
