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 make money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
The arrests form part of an enforcement exercise by the central bank against the misuse and unlawful handling of Ghanaian currency.
Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, Dinah Bonzi, said the exercise was intended to warn individuals and businesses against using banknotes and coins for decorative and other purposes.
“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.
Ms Bonzi said the seven people were arrested at different locations in Accra after they were found producing money bouquets and cakes using cedi notes for commercial purposes.
She said people who engage in, assist with or facilitate the practice would face arrest and prosecution.
“Following today’s arrest on the alleged abuse of the Ghana currency, the bank wants to clearly state that persons found engaging in, aiding, promoting or facilitating such acts will be arrested and prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” she said.
She added that the Ghana cedi was legal tender and must be handled appropriately.
“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,” Ms Bonzi said.
The BoG said the seven arrested persons would be prosecuted and could face fines or imprisonment under the law.
“From here they will be prosecuted,” Ms Bonzi said. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”
The central bank has previously cautioned the public against spraying money at events, making decorations and bouquets from banknotes, scattering or stepping on currency, and writing on or altering banknotes.
Ms Bonzi urged the public to desist from practices that could damage or otherwise constitute improper use of Ghanaian currency.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
