The Bank of Ghana (BoG), working with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people over the alleged misuse of Ghana cedi banknotes in the production and sale of money bouquets.
The arrests followed a joint operation targeting individuals involved in using currency notes for decorative and artistic purposes.
Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, Dianah Bondzi, said the use of cedi notes and coins in money bouquets, money cakes and similar decorations is prohibited.
She warned that the practice amounts to an abuse of the national currency and could lead to arrest and prosecution.
“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 country’s legal tender and must be handled appropriately.
She further cautioned that anyone who engages in, assists, facilitates or promotes activities involving the improper use of the currency could face action from law enforcement authorities.
The BoG had earlier, in a public notice issued on July 14, 2026, warned against using Ghanaian currency notes and coins as decorations, including in money bouquets, jewellery and other artistic creations.
The notice cited the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), noting that such practices may constitute offences.
The Bank also listed spraying money at social events, scattering or stepping on currency notes, as well as tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing or mutilating banknotes and coins among prohibited practices.
According to the BoG, it is working with relevant state agencies to enforce the rules and safeguard the quality and integrity of the Ghana cedi.
It has consequently urged the public, businesses and institutions to handle currency responsibly and report suspected cases of misuse to the appropriate authorities.
