By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against practices that damage, deface or improperly handle Ghana’s currency, stressing that offenders could face fines or imprisonment.
The warning targets increasingly common practices at social events, including money spraying, throwing notes on the ground, stepping or dancing on banknotes, and using cedi notes to create bouquets, jewellery and other decorations.
The central bank says such practices undermine the quality, usability and dignity of Ghana’s currency. It has specifically described money bouquets prepared for weddings, birthdays, graduations and similar celebrations as unlawful.
The BoG also cautioned against tearing, crumpling, staining, soiling, writing on, cutting or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins.
It further warned against using images of Ghanaian currency without authorisation and trading coins above their face value.
According to the Bank, cedi notes and coins are issued as legal tender and must be handled responsibly to preserve their condition and usefulness.
The BoG said substantial resources are invested in producing and maintaining the currency and disclosed that it is working with law enforcement agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement.
It urged individuals, businesses and institutions to report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
MAIN QUOTE
The Bank of Ghana says improper handling of the cedi can attract legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.
COMMENTARY
The warning places renewed focus on a cultural practice that has become common at Ghanaian celebrations. While money spraying is often viewed as entertainment or generosity, the BoG’s position makes clear that protecting the physical integrity of the national currency is also a legal responsibility.
