Bank of Ghana and Police Arrest 7 People Over Money Bouquets in Accra

In a joint operation with the Ghana Police Service, the central bank has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to produce and sell money bouquets, money cakes and other currency-based decorations for commercial purposes.

The suspects were picked up during a swoop targeting individuals engaged in the production and sale of money bouquets. They were later arraigned at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

This is not a new warning. On July 14, 2026, the Bank of Ghana issued a public notice signed by Secretary Aimee Vyda Quashie, warning that the misuse of the cedi is a criminal offence.

The BoG says it has observed increasing misuse and improper handling of banknotes and coins, which affects the quality, integrity and public image of the cedi.

According to the notice, these acts are illegal under the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242) and the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612):

• Using cedi notes and coins for money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations

• Using currency as decorations, jewellery, fingernail art, or artistic displays

• Spraying money at events

• Scattering, dancing or stepping on banknotes

• Tearing, crumpling, staining, defacing, mutilating or writing on notes.

Speaking to the media, Head of Statistics at the Currency Management Department of BoG, Dianah Bondzi, was blunt:

“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 added that anyone who engages in, aids, or promotes this practice risks arrest and prosecution.

Director of the Currency Department, Mr. Dominic Owusu, also echoed the warning earlier:

“In recent times, you see people using the currency for bouquets… It is against the Bank of Ghana policy. The cedi is legal tender and is only supposed to be used as a medium of exchange, not as gifts and bouquets.”

He advised: “If you want to give a present, go and buy gifts. Don’t go and buy bouquets and do it.”

What This Means For You:

If you are a vendor, event decorator, or a surprise package business in Ghana, take note:

1. Stop using real cedi notes for bouquets. The business model is now classified as unlawful.

2. Use alternatives. BoG suggests buying actual gifts, or if you must show money, use a dummy cheque, a bank transfer receipt, or place the money in an envelope.

3. Educate your clients. Many customers don’t know it’s illegal. You could be arrested for facilitating it.

The BoG says this enforcement will continue across the country in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The cedi is more than paper; it’s Ghana’s economic sovereignty. Respect it.