Seven people have been arrested in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes, as the Bank of Ghana intensifies its campaign against the misuse of the national currency.
The arrests were carried out by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service at various locations in Accra. The suspects are expected to face prosecution, with possible penalties including fines or imprisonment.
Dianah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, said the enforcement action should serve as a warning to individuals and businesses involved in producing or promoting money-based decorations.
She said using banknotes and coins to create bouquets, cakes and other decorative items for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar occasions amounts to unlawful misuse of the currency.
The central bank has also warned that people who aid, facilitate or promote such activities could face legal action.
The latest arrests follow a public notice issued by the BoG in July 2026 outlining several prohibited forms of currency handling. These include using notes as decorations, spraying money at social events, scattering or stepping on banknotes, as well as tearing, crumpling, staining, writing on or otherwise damaging currency.
The BoG said the restrictions are intended to protect the quality, integrity and functionality of Ghana’s legal tender.
The central bank has urged the public and businesses to handle cedi notes responsibly and comply with the law to avoid sanctions.
