The Bank of Ghana (BoG) together with the Ghana Police Service has arrested seven people for allegedly using Ghana cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and cakes.
Dinah Bonzi, the Head of the Statistics Office at the Currency Management Department of the Bank of Ghana, disclosed that the exercise is intended to send a strong warning to individuals and businesses involved in the practice.
According to the BoG, the arrests form part of the central bank’s enforcement action against the misuse, abuse, and illegal handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins.
The BoG disclosed that seven individuals were arrested at various locations in Accra, adding that the seven arrested used the cedi banknotes to create bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes.
Dinah Bonzi stated, “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”.
“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.
“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,” Diana Bonzi added.
Diana Bonzi added that the BoG and the individuals arrested will be prosecuted, with possible sanctions including fines or imprisonment.
“From here they will be prosecuted,” she said. “Fines or even imprisonment according to the Act.”
“Today’s arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity,” she said.
In other news, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced that a new series of Ghana cedi banknotes, dubbed the Heritage Series, will be introduced in November.
The BoG governor disclosed that the development forms part of efforts to modernise the currency and strengthen its security and durability.
According to him, the Bank of Ghana is scheduled to officially launch the Heritage Series on November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra.
Speaking at the end of the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama made the announcement.
He disclosed that the new banknotes will feature enhanced security measures, improved durability and modern designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage, culture and national identity.
According to the BoG Governor, the current Ghana cedi banknote designs have been in circulation for more than two decades, making periodic modernisation necessary as technology and security standards evolve.
“The upgraded banknotes incorporate enhanced security features, improved durability, and modern designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage and Ghana’s aspirations,” he said.
He disclosed that the Heritage Series is intended to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting, to withstand prolonged circulation and to support more efficient and cost-effective currency management.
The BoG Governor added that the new series will also provide an opportunity to honour Ghanaian national heroes and showcase elements of the country’s heritage and identity.
Dr Asiama stressed that the introduction of the Heritage Series does not mean the withdrawal of the existing Ghana cedi banknotes.
“There is no need for the public to rush to exchange or to withdraw existing notes solely because of the introduction of the new Heritage Series,” he added.
He further appealed to the public, businesses, traders and financial institutions to handle banknotes properly.
“Proper handling will help preserve the quality of our banknotes. It will reduce replacement costs for the central bank, and it will support efficient currency management,” he said.
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