In brief
Seven women have been arrested in Accra after police uncovered an operation that fashioned Ghanaian cedi notes into bouquets and used them to decorate cakes. The Bank of Ghana says such use of currency is illegal and constitutes misuse of national money. The arrests follow a warning issued last July that people who alter or abuse notes face sanctions. Authorities stress that anyone involved will be prosecuted and that the cedi must be treated with respect.
Policemen in Accra detained seven women on Friday after learning they were selling bouquets made from folded Ghanaian cedi notes and using them to decorate cakes.
The Bank of Ghana says the act is illegal, describing it as misuse of the country’s national currency. It warns that altering or defacing banknotes can amount to a criminal offence.
The arrests follow a tip‑off that led officers to a series of locations where the women had been setting up stalls. All suspects are believed to have been involved in selling the items in different parts of the capital.
Officials said the police will keep investigating any related parties. Those found to be promoting or facilitating the trade could also be charged.
A Bank of Ghana spokesperson, Dinah Bonzi, told reporters the cedi is legal tender and must be treated with respect. “The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions,” she added.
The move follows a July notice from the Bank warning that “acts that tend to depreciate or impair the national currency” could lead to criminal sanctions.
Money bouquets are increasingly popular at Ghanaian weddings and birthdays, but the practice is now frowned upon by authorities and is a trend seen in other African countries as well.
