The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned the public against the misuse of Ghana’s currency, warning that practices such as spraying cedi notes at events, creating money bouquets and defacing banknotes or coins are offences punishable under the law.
The central bank said individuals found engaging in such activities could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment, as it steps up efforts to protect the integrity and value of the national currency.
In a notice issued on July 14, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Bank, Aimee Vyda Quashie, the BoG reminded the public that Ghana’s banknotes and coins are legal tender and must be handled responsibly.
The notice follows what the Bank described as growing cases of improper handling and misuse of currency, which it said undermine the quality, durability, functionality and public image of the cedi.
According to the BoG, the restrictions are supported by provisions in the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which provide legal protection for Ghana’s currency.
The Bank specifically warned against the practice of making money bouquets for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations, describing it as an unauthorised use of currency.
It also said spraying or showering cedi notes at weddings, funerals, parties and other social gatherings is prohibited under the law.
The central bank further cautioned against using banknotes and coins for decorative purposes, including artwork, jewellery, nail designs and other creative displays, noting that such practices amount to tampering with or defacing the currency.
Other prohibited activities listed by the BoG include throwing banknotes on the ground, stepping or dancing on them during events, writing on notes, tearing, cutting, altering, staining, crumpling or otherwise damaging currency.
The Bank also stated that the use of images of Ghana’s currency without prior approval is not permitted, while buying or selling coins above their face value is prohibited.
On coins specifically, the BoG warned that altering their appearance or value through processes such as gilding, silvering, colouring, filing, cutting or defacing constitutes an offence. It added that possessing filings, scrapings or parts of coins obtained through such actions is also unlawful.
The Bank stressed that currency notes and coins are intended solely for use as legal tender and should not be stamped, engraved, pierced, mutilated or subjected to any form of alteration.
