[VIDEO] BoG and Police Arrest 7 in Accra for Using Cedi Notes to Make Money Bouquets and Cakes

The Bank of Ghana (BoG), working with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to make money bouquets and money cakes for sale. The arrests were made on Monday, October 5, 2026, at various locations across the capital.

The central bank said the suspects were turning cedi notes into decorative bouquets and cakes sold for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar celebrations.

The arrests were announced by Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the BoG, who warned that anyone involved in the practice will face prosecution.

The enforcement action comes nearly three months after the BoG issued a public notice on July 14, 2026, declaring money bouquets, money spraying and other forms of currency misuse unlawful.

BoG money bouquet arrests: what happened in Accra

According to the Bank of Ghana, the seven suspects were picked up in a joint operation with the police after they were found using cedi notes to produce money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.

The bank described the operation as part of its wider campaign against the misuse and abuse of the national currency.

“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,” Ms Bonzi said.

BoG warns money bouquet makers will be prosecuted

Ms Bonzi said the arrests should serve as a warning to vendors, event planners and members of the public who continue to use cedi notes as decorations.

“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.

She added that the Ghana cedi “is a legal tender of the Republic of Ghana and must be treated with respect.” Asked about the consequences, she said offenders could face “fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”

What the law says on misuse of the Ghana cedi

The BoG’s Notice No. 17 on the misuse or abuse of the Ghana cedi, issued on July 14, 2026, relies on the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).

The notice states that offenders may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment in accordance with the law. It does not list specific fine amounts or prison terms.

Acts the BoG has listed as prohibited include:

• Spraying money at events such as weddings, funerals and parties
• Using notes to make money bouquets, money cakes, jewellery, nail designs or other artistic displays
• Scattering notes on the ground, or dancing or stepping on money
• Tearing, crumpling, staining, soiling or mutilating notes and coins
• Writing on, cutting or defacing banknotes
• Reproducing images of banknotes or coins without the Bank’s permission
• Buying or selling coins above their face value

BoG and Police Arrest 7 in Accra for Using Cedi Notes to Make Money Bouquets and Cakes [VIDEO]

The Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to create and sell money bouquets. https://t.co/nwYIp700Pm

— 𝐀𝐒𝐊 (@askghmedia) October 5, 2026

Why the Bank of Ghana is cracking down on money bouquets

The central bank has said the growing popularity of money bouquets damages notes through folding, piercing and stapling, making them unfit for circulation.

In its July notice, the BoG said currency was issued solely for use as legal tender and should not be transformed into gifts, decorations, jewellery or artistic displays.

The crackdown also comes as the BoG prepares to introduce new currency, having announced new Ghana cedi notes for November 3.

What the arrests mean for vendors and event planners

Money bouquets and money cakes have become popular gifts at graduations, birthdays and weddings in Ghana, and many small businesses sell them, especially on social media.

The arrests signal that the BoG has moved from warnings to enforcement. Vendors who make or sell such items, and people who help promote them, risk arrest and prosecution.

Buyers and event guests are also covered by the BoG’s list of prohibited acts, which includes spraying money at events.

What happens next

The BoG said it will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to enforce the rules on currency handling.

Details of any charges or court dates for the suspects have not yet been made public.

Key details at a glance

• Who: Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service
• What: Seven people arrested for using cedi notes to make money bouquets and cakes for sale
• When: Monday, October 5, 2026
• Where: Various locations in Accra
• Legal basis: Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612) and Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242)
• Possible penalties: Prosecution, fines or imprisonment
• Earlier warning: BoG Notice No. 17, issued July 14, 2026

FAQs

Is it illegal to make money bouquets in Ghana?

Yes. The Bank of Ghana says using cedi notes or coins to make money bouquets or money cakes is misuse of the currency and is unlawful.

What is the punishment for money spraying in Ghana?

The BoG says offenders may be arrested and prosecuted and could face fines or imprisonment under the law. Specific fine amounts have not been stated.

How many people were arrested for money bouquets in Accra?

Seven people were arrested at various locations in Accra on October 5, 2026, in a joint BoG and police operation.

The arrest of seven people in Accra shows the Bank of Ghana is now enforcing its July 2026 warning on currency misuse. With the central bank promising more arrests and prosecutions, vendors, event planners and the public are being urged to stop using cedi notes for bouquets, cakes and spraying at events.