Seven Arrested in Accra as Bank of Ghana
The popular money bouquet trend has landed seven people in trouble. On Monday, October 5, 2026, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Police Service arrested seven persons in Accra for allegedly using Ghana cedi notes to make money bouquets and money cakes, the colourful cash gifts that have become a regular sight at weddings, birthdays and graduations.
The arrests are the first major enforcement action since the central bank warned the public in July that turning banknotes into decorations is against the law. The BoG now says anyone who makes, sells, promotes or helps others create these items will be arrested and prosecuted.
What Happened in Accra
The seven suspects were picked up during a joint operation by the Bank of Ghana and the police. They were allegedly involved in producing and selling money bouquets and cakes made with real cedi notes for customers.
Reports from Citi Newsroom and other outlets say the operation covered various locations in Accra. The names of the suspects have not been made public, and details of any items seized were not released.
BoG Official Explains the Crackdown
Speaking after the arrests, Dianah Bondzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the BoG’s Currency Management Department, said the bank wanted to send a strong warning to the public.
She explained that using banknotes and coins to create money bouquets and money cakes for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar events amounts to misuse and abuse of the currency, and is illegal.
According to her, people found engaging in, aiding, promoting or facilitating such acts will be arrested and prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies. She added that the cedi is legal tender and must be treated with respect, urging Ghanaians: “Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity.”
Quick Facts
- Date of arrests: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Number arrested: Seven persons
- Location: Accra
- Agencies involved: Bank of Ghana and Ghana Police Service
- Alleged offence: Making and selling money bouquets and money cakes with cedi notes
- Laws cited: Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242) and Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended
- Earlier warning: BoG public notice dated July 14, 2026
The July Warning That Came First
The arrests did not come out of nowhere. On July 14, 2026, the Bank of Ghana issued a public notice listing several ways people misuse the cedi, and it made clear that these acts are against the law.
Among the practices the notice listed were:
- Making money bouquets and using currency as decorations, jewellery or nail art
- Spraying or showering cedi notes at weddings, funerals, parties and other social gatherings
- Scattering, dancing on or stepping on banknotes
- Tearing, crumpling, staining, writing on or defacing notes
- Altering coins or selling them above their face value
- Using images of the currency without BoG approval
The notice warned that offenders could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment in line with the law. The central bank also said it would work with law enforcement agencies to monitor compliance.
Why This Matters for Ghana’s Party and Showbiz Scene
Money bouquets and money cakes have grown into a big part of celebration culture in Ghana. They are often given as surprise gifts at birthday parties, weddings, graduations and other events, and many small vendors sell them on social media.
Spraying cash on the dance floor is also a familiar scene at weddings, funerals and parties, including celebrity events. Under the BoG’s notice, that practice is unlawful as well, which means the warning reaches far beyond bouquet sellers.
For event planners, gift vendors and party hosts, the message from Monday’s operation is clear: the central bank is no longer just issuing notices but is now working with the police to enforce them.
From Social Media Gifts to Police Arrests
Celebrations in Ghana’s entertainment circles are often shared widely online, from celebrity weddings to big birthday parties. Cash gifts and money displays have long been part of that culture, much like the public debates over money that often trail stars, such as the recent Mr Beautiful and Adjoa Pee support money controversy.
With the latest arrests, anyone who orders or gifts a money bouquet made with real notes may need to think twice, since the BoG’s warning covers those who promote or facilitate the practice, not just those who make the items.
What Happens Next
The Bank of Ghana says the suspects will face prosecution, but no court date or charges have been publicly announced yet. It is also not clear whether further operations are planned in other regions.
The bank has, however, described Monday’s arrests as a clear warning to the public. Ghanaians who handle cash at events are being urged to treat the cedi with care and avoid using it for decoration or display.
Final Word
The arrest of seven people in Accra marks a turning point in the Bank of Ghana’s campaign against money bouquets, money cakes and other forms of currency misuse. What started as a July warning has now become police action, and party lovers, gift vendors and event hosts across Ghana will be watching closely to see how the cases unfold. Halmblog will keep you updated as more details emerge.
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