Seven arrested for allegedly using cedi notes to make money bouquets, cakes
The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
The arrests form part of the central bank’s enforcement action against the misuse, abuse and illegal handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, Dinah Bonzi, said the exercise is intended to send a strong warning to individuals and businesses engaged in the practice.
“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public for using 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 is illegal and unlawful,” she said.
According to the BoG, the seven individuals were arrested at various locations in Accra after allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to create bouquets and cakes for sale.
Ms Bonzi said persons found engaging in, aiding, promoting or facilitating such acts will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The Ghana cedi is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law,” she added.
She said the suspects will be prosecuted, with possible sanctions including fines or imprisonment under the law.
The BoG has previously warned against practices such as spraying money at events, using banknotes for bouquets and decorations, scattering or stepping on currency, writing on or altering notes, and other forms of physical damage or unconventional use of the cedi.
Ms Bonzi urged the public to desist from such practices, saying the latest arrests should serve as a warning to those involved.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
