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Ghana arrests seven women for selling cedi money bouquets and decorated cakes
Ghana's Bank of Ghana and Police Service arrested seven women in Accra for producing and selling decorative items made from cedi banknotes, including money bouquets and cakes. The central bank classified the practice as illegal misuse of currency under the Currency Act, with penalties potentially including fines or imprisonment. Political opposition questioned the legal basis for the arrests.
Quick Facts
- Joint arrest operation targeting production and sale of cedi money bouquets
- Production of decorative cakes adorned with cedi banknotes
- Selling of currency-based decorative items
- Bank of Ghana issues public warning against currency misuse
- Police investigations launched
Ghanaian authorities arrested seven women in Accra following a joint operation by the Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service. The suspects were accused of producing and selling decorative items made from genuine cedi banknotes, including so-called "money bouquets" and cakes adorned with currency notes, typically ordered as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.
The Bank of Ghana has classified the practice as illegal misuse of the national currency. In July 2026, the central bank issued a public notice stating that using banknotes or coins as decorations—including money bouquets, jewellery and artistic creations—constitutes improper handling of currency and may violate the Currency Act, 1964. The notice also prohibits currency spraying at events, scattering or stepping on notes, and tearing, defacing or mutilating banknotes.
Dinah Bonzi, an official in the Bank of Ghana's currency department, stated that the cedi is legal tender and must be treated with respect, and that misuse or abuse of currency is an offence that may attract sanctions under law. The central bank warned that anyone aiding, facilitating or promoting such activities could also face arrest and prosecution. The suspects face potential fines or jail sentences to be determined by the court, with police investigations ongoing.
The arrests represent the largest enforcement action to date against currency misuse in Ghana. The Bank of Ghana has repeatedly cautioned against various forms of currency mishandling and stated it has commenced enforcement measures to protect the integrity and functionality of the cedi. Similar warnings against currency misuse have been issued in recent years by central banks in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana.
Political opposition has emerged regarding the legal basis for the arrests. Dr Hassan Ayariga, founder of the All People's Congress, challenged the Bank of Ghana to specify which legal provision was violated, arguing that using genuine, unaltered banknotes as gifts should be distinguished from deliberate destruction or defacement. He called for the central bank to provide clear legal guidance and stressed that enforcement must follow due process and respect citizens' constitutional rights.
Why This Matters
The arrests establish the largest enforcement action in Ghana against currency misuse and signal intensified central bank intervention in currency handling practices. Seven women face potential fines or imprisonment under the Currency Act, 1964. The action affects informal decorative gift markets and sets precedent for currency-related prosecutions; similar warnings have been issued by central banks in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana, suggesting regional policy alignment on currency protection standards.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 14, 2026
WireBank of Ghana issues public notice classifying currency decorations as improper use, potentially violating Currency Act, 1964
Oct 6, 2026
WireSeven women arrested in Accra in joint Bank of Ghana and Police Service operation for producing and selling cedi money bouquets and decorated cakes
Oct 6, 2026
WirePolitical opposition: Dr Hassan Ayariga challenges legal basis for arrests and calls for clarification
Related Signals
Sources
- Ghana arrests seven women over cedi 'money bouquets'BBCMediaOct 6, 2026
- Bank of Ghana: Seven women arrested in Accra over cedi 'money bouquets'BBCMediaOct 6, 2026
- Cedi bouquets: Hassan Ayariga demands legal basis for arrestsCitiNewsroom.comMediaOct 6, 2026
- Ghanaian authorities arrest seven over illegal use of banknotesChannel AfricaMediaOct 6, 2026
- Ghana Arrests Seven Persons For Using Cedi Notes As Money Bouquets, CakesSahara ReportersMediaOct 6, 2026