The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people for allegedly misusing Ghana cedi banknotes by turning them into money bouquets.
The suspects were arrested during a joint operation targeting people involved in the production and sale of money bouquets.
They were later arraigned at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
Speaking to the media, Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the Bank of Ghana, Dianah Bondzi, warned the public against using Ghana cedi notes and coins as decorations at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other social events.
According to her, such practices amount to the misuse and abuse of the national currency and are prohibited by 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 is the legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be handled with care and respect.
She cautioned that anyone who engages in, assists, facilitates or promotes the misuse of the currency could face arrest and prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
A July 14, 2026 public notice issued by the Bank of Ghana states that using currency notes and coins for decorations, including money bouquets, jewellery and other artistic creations, constitutes improper use of the currency and may amount to an offence under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
The notice also prohibits practices such as spraying money at events, scattering or stepping on currency notes, as well as tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins.
The Bank of Ghana says it has begun enforcement measures in collaboration with state law enforcement agencies to curb currency misuse and protect the integrity, quality and functionality of the Ghana cedi.
It has therefore urged individuals, businesses and institutions to handle the national currency responsibly and report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
