BoG warns against spraying cedi notes at weddings, social events

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned that spraying cedi notes at weddings and other social events, making money bouquets for celebrations, and mishandling Ghana’s currency are criminal offences punishable under Ghanaian law.

The central bank said individuals who engage in such practices risk arrest, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment, adding that it will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued on July 14, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Bank, Aimee Vyda Quashie, reminding the public of the proper handling of Ghana’s currency notes and coins.

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According to the BoG, it has observed increasing incidents of improper handling of the cedi, a practice it said affects the quality, integrity, functionality, and public image of the country’s legal tender.

“The Bank has observed with concern the increasing incidents of inappropriate handling of Ghana cedi notes and coins,” the notice stated.

The BoG explained that the directive is supported by the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which protect the cedi from misuse and abuse.

The Bank specifically warned against making money bouquets for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations, describing the practice as improper use of the national currency.

It also cautioned against spraying or showering cedi notes at weddings, funerals, parties, and other social gatherings.

The BoG further stated that using banknotes and coins as decorations, artistic displays, jewellery, or fingernail designs amounts to tampering with the currency.

Other prohibited practices include scattering banknotes on the ground, stepping or dancing on them during events, writing on notes, tearing, crumpling, staining, cutting, or otherwise damaging currency.

The Bank also warned that reproducing or using images of Ghana’s currency without prior approval is prohibited.

Touching on coins, the BoG said altering their appearance through colouring, gilding, silvering, filing, cutting, or defacing them is an offence. It mentioned that buying or selling coins above their face value is also prohibited under the law.

The central bank noted that currency notes and coins are meant solely to serve as legal tender and should not be “stamped, engraved, pierced, mutilated, crumpled or torn.”

Explaining the rationale behind the directive, the BoG said that the country spends significant public resources printing and minting currency annually and urged the public to handle the cedi responsibly.

It however encouraged individuals, businesses, and institutions to protect the integrity of the national currency and report violations to the appropriate authorities.

The Bank reiterated that persons found engaging in prohibited acts could face “arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment in accordance with the law.”

It concluded that it would work with the Ghana Police Service and other state agencies to monitor compliance and take action against offenders.

MA