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

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

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

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According to the BoG, it has observed an increasing trend of people misusing and improperly handling the cedi, a practice that undermines the quality, integrity and public image of Ghana'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 central bank explained that the directive is backed by the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which protect the cedi from abuse and misuse.

It specifically cautioned against making money bouquets for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations, stressing that the practice amounts to improper use of the national currency.

The BoG also warned that spraying or showering cedi notes at weddings, funerals, parties and similar social events is unlawful.

Beyond social events, the Bank said using banknotes and coins as decorations, artistic displays, jewellery or fingernail designs also constitutes tampering with the national currency.

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

The notice further stated that using images of Ghana's currency without prior approval from the Bank of Ghana is prohibited.

On the use of coins, the BoG said altering their appearance through colouring, gilding, silvering, filing, cutting or defacing them is an offence. It added that buying or selling coins above their face value is equally prohibited under Ghanaian law.

The central bank emphasised 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 noted that Ghana spends substantial public funds printing and minting currency every year, making it essential for citizens to handle the cedi responsibly.

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

The Bank warned that anyone found engaging in the prohibited acts could face "arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment in accordance with the law."

It added that it would collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other state law enforcement agencies to monitor the handling of currency notes and coins and take action against offenders.