A popular celebration trend involving beautifully arranged cash gifts has landed seven people in trouble with the law after the Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service arrested them for allegedly using cedi notes to make money bouquets and money cakes for sale.
The arrests were carried out at different locations in Accra as part of a wider crackdown on what the central bank describes as the misuse and illegal handling of Ghana’s national currency.
Money bouquets have become increasingly popular at birthdays, weddings, graduations and other celebrations, with real banknotes folded, pinned or arranged into decorative gifts.
But the Bank of Ghana says the practice can cross a legal line.
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
According to Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the Bank’s Currency Management Department, using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets, cakes and similar decorations constitutes improper use of the currency.
Officials said the seven suspects were allegedly producing the decorative cash arrangements for commercial purposes. The central bank warned that anyone involved in creating, promoting or facilitating such practices could face arrest and prosecution.
Fines or Even Prison Possible
The Bank of Ghana says those arrested are expected to face prosecution, with possible penalties including fines or imprisonment depending on the applicable law.
The warning is not new.
In an official notice issued earlier in 2026, the Bank specifically listed money spraying, money bouquets, stepping on banknotes, writing on currency and physically damaging notes among practices considered misuse or abuse of the Ghana cedi.
The central bank maintains that Ghana’s currency is legal tender and should be handled in a way that protects its quality and dignity.
The latest arrests now send a strong message to businesses and individuals who have turned money bouquets into a growing commercial trend: what may look like a creative gift could potentially lead to serious legal consequences.
The seven individuals remain accused, and any criminal liability will ultimately have to be established through the legal process.
