The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to produce money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
The arrests form part of the central bank’s enforcement drive against the misuse and abuse of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
The Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, Dinah Bonzi, said the arrests were intended to send a strong warning to individuals and businesses engaged in the practice.
She said the use of banknotes and coins to make money bouquets, money cakes and similar decorations for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other events constituted the misuse and abuse of the currency and was illegal.
According to her, the seven suspects were arrested at various locations in Accra after they were found producing the items for commercial purposes.
“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.
Ms. Bonzi stressed that the cedi was the legal tender of Ghana and must be treated with respect, warning that its misuse or abuse was an offence that could attract sanctions under the law. She said the suspects would be prosecuted and could face fines or imprisonment.
The BoG has previously warned the public against spraying money at events, making bouquets and decorations from banknotes, writing on or altering currency notes, and other practices that damage or improperly handle the currency.
Ms. Bonzi urged the public to desist from such practices, saying the latest arrests should serve as a clear warning to anyone involved in the misuse of the cedi.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
By Vera Sarpong