Seven individuals have been rounded up across various parts of Accra in a joint swoop conducted by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Police Service for commercially crafting cash bouquets and money cakes using legal tender.
The swoop forms part of an ongoing national crackdown by the central bank aimed at curbing currency abuse and safeguarding the integrity of local banknotes and coins.
Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, confirmed the arrests during an interaction with reporters. She noted that the suspects were caught operating commercial enterprises that fold and craft Cedi notes into decorative items for celebrations.
According to her, the operation is designed to signal a stern deterrent to traders and members of the public who handle the local currency improperly.
“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public for using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, for birthdays, for graduations, and other similar events, which constitutes the misuse and abuse of the currency and is illegal and unlawful,” she cautioned.
She further stressed that law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to clamp down on perpetrators and facilitators of such acts.
“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 stated.
“The Ghana cedi is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law,” Ms Bonzi added.
All seven suspects face immediate court action. Highlighting the legal consequences, Ms Bonzi indicated that those found guilty risk custodial sentences or financial penalties.
“From here they will be prosecuted,” she affirmed. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”
The central bank has repeatedly cautioned against public practices that deface or damage the Cedi—including spraying money at social events, crafting cash arrangements, defacing notes with ink, and trampling on currency.
Ms Bonzi emphasised that the public must take the recent arrests as a definitive signal to stop all forms of currency mutilation.
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she concluded.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana