Seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make 'money bouquets'

ByThomas Naadi BBC Africa, Reporting fromAccra. 6 October 2026, 12: 48 BST.

Key points

• Over recent years authorities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana have additionally issued warnings against misusing the national currencies.
• Dinah Bonzi, an official in the Bank of Ghana's currency department, remarked anyone aiding or promoting such activities could additionally be arrested and prosecuted.
• The Bank of Ghana notes the practice is illegal and amounts to misuse and improper handling of the cedi, the national currency.
• The employ of capital decorations has become more common in Ghana over recent years, with the practice additionally gaining a foothold in other African countries.
• Ghanaian authorities have arrested seven individuals for allegedly using banknotes to produce so-called "money bouquets" and decorate cakes.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana notes the practice is illegal and amounts to misuse and improper handling of the cedi, the national currency.

Meanwhile, the arrests, carried out in collaboration with the police, followed a tip-off that led to a swoop on the suspects, all women, accused of selling the bouquets in different parts of the capital, Accra.

In practice, the arrests are the biggest enforcement of the law against misusing the currency. In July, the bank issued a notice warning this could amount to an offence.

It cautioned against "acts that tend to depreciate or impair the national currency, including any conduct that undermines its lawful value or use".

Bouquets of banknotes or cakes decorated with currency are often ordered as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.

Meanwhile, the police have introduced investigations, and the authorities say the suspects will be prosecuted. They could face a fine or jail term, to be determined by the court.

''The Ghana cedi is legal tender. And must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law, '' she remarked.

"Today's arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity."

For context, the central bank has repeatedly cautioned against activities such as "spraying" – or throwing capital at events such as weddings – writing on or altering notes and using them in decorations such as floral-like bouquets in weddings, birthdays and other occasions.

For context, the employ of capital decorations has become more common in Ghana over recent years, with the practice additionally gaining a foothold in other African countries.

Over recent years authorities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana have additionally issued warnings against misusing the national currencies. You may additionally be interested in. Banknote bouquets could land you in jail, Kenya's central bank warns. Throwing cash in the air – Nigeria's wedding dilemma. How flowers are 'put to sleep' for long sea voyages.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

In short, seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make ' money bouquets&#039 is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.