7 Arrested for Making Money Cakes, BouquetsWith Cedi Notes

The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested seven people in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to make money cakes and bouquets for sale.

The arrests, made at different locations in Accra on Monday, October 5, 2026, form part of efforts by the central bank and the police to stop what they describe as the misuse and abuse of the country’s currency.

The development has raised fresh concerns over how Ghana’s legal tender is handled, particularly as the use of money bouquets and money cakes has become increasingly common at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other social events.

Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the Bank of Ghana, Dinah Bonzi, said the arrests should serve as a strong warning to people who engage in the practice, as well as those who assist or encourage others to do so.

“The Bank of Ghana wishes to issue a warning to the general public against using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, money cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other similar events, which constitutes the misuse and abuse of the currency and is illegal and unlawful,” she said.

According to the BoG, the seven suspects allegedly used cedi notes to produce the decorative money cakes and bouquets for commercial purposes.

The central bank warned that the enforcement action would not be limited to those who physically handle the currency. People who help, promote or facilitate the practice could also face arrest and prosecution.

“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.

Ms. Bonzi stressed that the cedi is not merely a means of payment but the country’s legal tender and must therefore be handled with care and respect.

“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,” she added.

The seven arrested persons are expected to face prosecution, with the BoG warning that those found guilty could face financial penalties or imprisonment.

“From here they will be prosecuted,” she said. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”

The latest arrests come as the BoG continues its campaign against practices it considers harmful to the integrity of the cedi. These include spraying money at events, writing on banknotes, altering notes, stepping on currency and using banknotes as decorations.

With the cedi passing through the hands of millions of Ghanaians every day, the central bank says protecting the currency is a responsibility that must be taken seriously.

“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.