The Bank of Ghana, working with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra over allegations that Ghana cedi banknotes were used to make money bouquets and cakes for sale.
The arrests are part of an enforcement operation targeting the misuse, abuse and unlawful handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
The seven suspects were detained at different locations across Accra, according to the central bank. Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department, said the individuals had been using cedi banknotes to produce bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
She said the action was intended to warn members of the public and businesses involved 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.
Ms Bonzi said anyone involved in the practice, including those who assist, promote or enable it, could face criminal proceedings.
“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, as the legal tender of the Republic of Ghana, 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.
Possible prosecution and sanctions
The Bank of Ghana said the people arrested would be prosecuted. Ms Bonzi said those convicted could face fines or imprisonment under the relevant Act.
“From here they will be prosecuted,” she said. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”
The central bank has previously cautioned against several other forms of inappropriate treatment of currency. These include spraying money at events, using notes to make bouquets and decorations, scattering or stepping on banknotes, writing on or altering them, and causing other physical damage.
Ms Bonzi said the latest arrests should reinforce the warning already issued to the public and encourage people to stop using Ghana cedi notes and coins in these ways.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
