What Is the Ghanaian Cedi and Why Are Bouquets Controversial?

What is the Ghanaian cedi?

The Ghanaian cedi is the currency used in Ghana. A cedi is divided into 100 pesewas. ³ In everyday life, cedi banknotes are money for paying for goods and services, not just material for decorative gifts.

The current news is about how those banknotes are being used. Authorities say making bouquets from cedi notes or attaching them to cakes may breach rules against misusing the national currency. ¹

Why were seven women arrested in Accra?

Ghanaian authorities arrested seven women in Accra over allegations that they used banknotes to make money bouquets and decorate cakes. The arrangements were reportedly made and sold for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays and graduations. ¹

The operation involved the Bank of Ghana and police, and followed a tip-off about the activity. The arrests do not establish that the women are guilty. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have said the suspects will be prosecuted. ¹

Are cedi money bouquets illegal?

The Bank of Ghana says using banknotes in bouquets or as cake decorations is misuse of the currency and can be an offence. It has also warned against conduct that damages or impairs banknotes or undermines their lawful use. ¹

The available reporting does not set out the full legal text or explain how every kind of display is treated. The allegations are still under investigation. The court, not the arrest alone, would determine whether a person is guilty and what penalty applies. ¹

What could happen to the people arrested?

The authorities say the suspects may be prosecuted. A fine or a jail term could be considered, but the specific penalty would be determined by a court. ¹

A Bank of Ghana official also said people who aid or promote the activity could face arrest and prosecution. ¹ That is the bank’s stated position; the sources provided do not explain how that warning may be applied in individual cases.

What does this mean for ordinary people?

For readers in Ghana, the immediate point is that the central bank has warned against using cedi notes as decorative material, including in bouquets and cakes. ¹ People planning a celebration may want to check current guidance directly with the Bank of Ghana rather than assume that a familiar gift practice is permitted.

For readers elsewhere, the story is a reminder that rules about handling cash differ by country. The sources describe Ghana’s position, but do not provide a detailed guide to the law or say how the case will end.