The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven persons in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
The arrests form part of the Bank’s enforcement action against the misuse, abuse and unlawful handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
Ms Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, said the exercise was intended to send a strong warning to individuals and businesses engaged in the practice.
She said the use of banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes and other decorations for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar events constituted the misuse and abuse of the currency and was illegal.
According to the BoG, the seven suspects were arrested at various locations in Accra after they were found allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to produce bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
Ms Bonzi said persons found engaging in, aiding, promoting or facilitating such activities would be arrested and prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
“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 said.
Ms Bonzi said the arrested persons would be prosecuted and could face sanctions, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the applicable law.
“From here they will be prosecuted. Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act,” she said.
The BoG has previously cautioned the public against practices such as spraying money at events, creating money bouquets and decorations from banknotes, scattering or stepping on currency, writing on or altering notes, and other forms of physical damage or unconventional use of the currency.
Ms Bonzi said the latest arrests should serve as a warning to the public to desist from such practices.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
