Ghana Cracks Down on 'Money Bouquets' as Seven Women Arrested in Accra

Ghanaian police have arrested seven women accused of using the country's banknotes to create decorative "money bouquets," in what has become the most significant enforcement action yet against the practice of misusing the national currency. The arrests were made in various parts of Accra, the capital, following a tip-off that prompted a coordinated swoop by law enforcement officials working alongside the Bank of Ghana.

The central bank has made clear that the practice is illegal, characterizing it as a form of misuse and improper handling of the cedi, Ghana's national currency. The arrests signal an escalation in the Bank of Ghana's efforts to curb a trend that has grown increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among younger Ghanaians who view money bouquets as fashionable gifts for special occasions.

According to official statements, the suspects are accused of selling the floral-like arrangements—which feature folded banknotes wrapped in decorative paper—in different areas of the capital. The operation followed a tip-off that led authorities to the suspects, all of whom are women. Police have launched investigations, and authorities say the suspects will be prosecuted. If convicted, they could face a fine or a jail term, with the exact punishment to be determined by the court.

The Bank of Ghana first issued a formal notice in July warning that such practices could constitute an offence. The notice specifically warned against "acts that tend to depreciate or impair the national currency, including any conduct that undermines its lawful value or use." The warning represented an attempt by the central bank to clarify existing laws that prohibit the defacing or unlawful alteration of banknotes.

Dinah Bonzi, an official in the Bank of Ghana's currency department, emphasized that the law extends beyond those who physically create the bouquets. She stated that anyone aiding or promoting such activities could also be arrested and prosecuted. "The Ghana cedi is legal tender and must be treated with respect," Bonzi said. "The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law." She added that the arrests should serve as a clear warning to the public, urging Ghanaians to handle the national currency with dignity.

The practice of creating money bouquets involves folding banknotes into shapes resembling flowers and arranging them into decorative bouquets. These arrangements are often ordered as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations. In recent years, the trend has gained significant traction in Ghana, with social media platforms amplifying their popularity. Vendors have emerged who specialize in crafting these bouquets, turning what was once a novelty into a small industry.

Beyond money bouquets, the central bank has repeatedly warned against other forms of currency misuse, including "spraying"—the practice of throwing money at events such as weddings—as well as writing on or altering notes and using them in decorations. These practices, while often intended as celebratory gestures, are viewed by authorities as disrespectful to the national currency and potentially damaging to its integrity.

The issue is not unique to Ghana. In recent years, authorities in several other African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Botswana, have issued similar warnings against misusing their national currencies. Kenya's central bank, for instance, has explicitly warned that banknote bouquets could land individuals in jail. In Nigeria, the practice of throwing cash in the air at weddings has sparked debate, with regulators expressing concern about the implications for currency stability.

The Bank of Ghana's actions reflect a broader continental effort to protect national currencies from practices that authorities believe undermine their value and symbolic importance. Central banks across Africa have become increasingly vocal about the need to treat national currencies with respect, framing such treatment as a matter of civic duty and national pride.

For the seven women arrested, the consequences could be severe. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, a police source confirmed that the suspects are cooperating with authorities. The case is expected to proceed through Ghana's legal system, where a court will determine whether the evidence supports convictions. Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for how similar offences are prosecuted in the future.

The arrests have sparked conversation among Ghanaians, with some expressing support for the central bank's stance while others question whether the enforcement action is proportionate. Critics argue that money bouquets are a harmless expression of affection, while supporters of the crackdown maintain that respecting the cedi is essential to maintaining its credibility and value.

The Bank of Ghana's currency department has indicated that enforcement efforts will continue, with officials monitoring social media and marketplaces for evidence of currency misuse. The central bank has also launched public awareness campaigns aimed at educating Ghanaians about the proper handling of banknotes.

As the investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder that Ghanaian authorities are prepared to take decisive action to protect the national currency, even when the alleged offences stem from popular cultural practices. The outcome of the prosecutions will likely influence how Ghanaians view money bouquets and similar decorative uses of currency in the years to come.