BoG Crackdown: 7 Arrested in Accra Over Commercial “Money Bouquets” and Cedi Cakes

ACCRA, GHANA — The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in a coordinated joint operation with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven individuals in Accra for using Ghana cedi banknotes to craft commercial money bouquets and decorative cakes.

The suspects were picked up during targeted swoops across multiple locations in the capital. The arrests follow the commercial production and sale of currency-based gifts—a trend that has grown rapidly across social events including birthdays, weddings, and graduations.  

Defacement of Legal Tender

Speaking after the enforcement exercise, Diana Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG Currency Management Department, emphasized that using legal tender as decorative art violates national currency regulations.

“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a clear warning to the general public that using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets or money cakes constitutes the misuse and abuse of the currency, which is illegal and unlawful,” Ms. Bonzi stated.

The central bank explained that altering, folding, pinning, gluing, or spraying banknotes accelerates physical wear and tear, costing the state millions of cedis to replace damaged notes.  

Law Enforcement and Prosecution

Ms. Bonzi warned that law enforcement will target not only vendors creating these items, but anyone facilitating or promoting the trend.  

 Legal Status: The Ghana cedi is legal tender and must be treated as a national symbol.  

 Prohibited Practices: Pinning, folding, gluing, spraying at parties, crumpling, or defacing banknotes.

 Penalties: Persons convicted of currency abuse face criminal prosecution, heavy fines, or imprisonment.  

“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” Ms. Bonzi urged. 

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