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Bank Of Ghana Arrests Seven Over Money Bouquet Abuse

The Bank of Ghana, 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 operation, carried out on Monday, 5th October 2026, follows weeks of monitoring social media vendors who charge premium fees to fold, glue and arrange banknotes into decorative gifts. The central bank has warned that such practices constitute the illegal misuse and abuse of the currency.

According to a statement cited by Peace FM and corroborated by BoG officials, the suspects were picked up at various locations in Accra including markets and online delivery points where money bouquets are sold for birthdays, weddings and graduations. Investigators recovered bundles of GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50 and GH¢100 notes that had been stapled, taped and sprayed with adhesives. The Bank of Ghana reiterated that the cedi remains legal tender and must not be mutilated, defaced or subjected to treatment that reduces its lifespan or integrity.

The Bank of Ghana explained that under the Currency Act, it is an offence to willfully deface, mutilate or misuse banknotes. The use of cedi notes for money bouquets, cakes and other commercial crafts not only damages the notes but also imposes huge printing and replacement costs on the state. Traders often use fresh notes sourced from banks, glue them together and sell bouquets for GH¢1,500 to GH¢5,000 depending on size, making profit from the face value of the currency itself.

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the seven suspects are assisting with investigations and will be arraigned for unlawful handling and abuse of banknotes. The central bank has urged event planners, florists and social media vendors to desist from the practice and use imitation or printed paper for bouquets instead of genuine cedi notes. It also appealed to the public to report such abuses.

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This latest crackdown comes months after the Bank of Ghana warned traders against rejecting cedi coins and mutilating notes, as part of its broader Clean Notes Policy. Similar enforcement has been seen in Nigeria where the EFCC arrested vendors for spraying naira at parties. Ghanaian authorities say protecting the cedi is a national duty and abuse undermines confidence in the local currency at a time when the central bank is working to stabilize exchange rates and inflation.

Howedey.com will follow up with the Police Service for the identities of those arrested and the charges preferred. The Bank of Ghana has asked anyone with information on money bouquet production hubs in Accra and Kumasi to report via its hotlines.

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Author: Stella Sunu • Published on Howedey.com

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