The Bank of Ghana (BoG), working with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to make money bouquets and cakes.

The suspects were picked up at various locations in Accra during a joint operation targeting the production and sale of money bouquets. According to the central bank, the bouquets and cakes were being produced for commercial purposes.

Dianah Bondzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, said the arrests are part of enforcement action against the misuse and abuse of Ghana cedi notes and coins.

"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.

She said the cedi is the legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect, and that anyone who engages in, aids, promotes or facilitates such acts risks arrest and prosecution.

Possible sanctions

Ms Bondzi said those arrested will be prosecuted, and that possible sanctions include fines or imprisonment under the Act. "From here they will be prosecuted," she said.

Earlier notice

In a public notice dated July 14, 2026, the BoG said using currency notes and coins as decorations, including money bouquets, jewellery and other artistic creations, is improper use of the currency and may constitute offences under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).

The notice also prohibits spraying money at events, scattering or stepping on notes, and tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins.

The Bank says it has begun enforcement measures with state law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity, quality and functionality of the cedi. It has urged individuals, businesses and institutions to handle the currency responsibly and to report suspected breaches to the appropriate authorities.

"Today's arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity," Ms Bondzi said.