Seven arrested in Accra over use of cedi notes for money bouquets, cakes

Seven women have been arrested in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to make money bouquets and money cakes for commercial purposes.

The arrests followed a joint operation by the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service after authorities reportedly received information about the activities.

The suspects were picked up at different locations in the capital during a coordinated swoop.

They are alleged to have incorporated genuine cedi notes into decorative bouquets and cake-style arrangements which were subsequently offered for sale.

The Bank of Ghana considers such handling of the currency improper, as activities that alter, decorate, crumple, tear or otherwise deface cedi notes are prohibited under applicable law.

The Head of Statistics at the Bank of Ghana’s Currency Management Department, Dinah Bonzie, said investigations into the matter were still underway.

She indicated that once investigations are completed, the suspects will be processed and brought before the court.

The operation forms part of efforts by the central bank and law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity and proper use of Ghana’s currency.