Bank of Ghana and Police Arrest Seven Women for Using Cedi Notes in Commercial Bouquets and Cakes

In a joint enforcement operation, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Police Service have arrested seven women in Accra for allegedly misusing Ghana cedi banknotes. The suspects were apprehended at various locations across the capital for the commercial creation and sale of "money bouquets" and "money cakes." This crackdown follows a period of heightened surveillance and intelligence gathering aimed at addressing the increasing trend of using legal tender for decorative purposes, which the central bank maintains is a violation of national currency laws.

Dinah Bonzi, the Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, emphasized that such practices undermine the integrity and lifespan of the national currency. Officials noted that crafting these items often involves pinning, gluing, or folding notes in ways that deface them, making them unfit for standard circulation. Ms. Bonzi warned that the central bank is committed to enforcing the law, stating that the Ghana cedi must be treated with the utmost respect as a symbol of national sovereignty.

The arrested individuals are currently being processed for court appearances and face potential legal sanctions, including fines or imprisonment. This operation is part of a broader campaign by the Bank of Ghana to deter currency abuse, which includes practices like "money spraying" at social events and damaging notes for artistic decorations. The BoG has urged the public to refrain from these activities and to report any instances of currency misuse to the authorities, reminding citizens that maintaining the quality of banknotes is a collective responsibility.