The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned that spraying cedi notes at weddings and social events, making money bouquets, and mishandling the national currency are criminal offences punishable by law.
In a notice dated July 14, 2026, the central bank said individuals who engage in such practices could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
The BoG said it has observed a growing trend of people misusing currency notes and coins, a practice that affects the quality and integrity of the cedi.
According to the Bank, acts such as spraying money at weddings, funerals and parties, making money bouquets for celebrations, and using banknotes as decorations are prohibited under Ghanaian law.
The notice also warned against scattering money on the ground, stepping or dancing on banknotes, writing on them, tearing, crumpling, staining or altering them in any way.
The central bank further stated that using cedi notes or coins for artistic displays, jewellery, nail designs or other decorative purposes amounts to defacing the currency and is unlawful.
BoG also cautioned that buying or selling coins above their face value, as well as tampering with coins by cutting, colouring, filing or changing their appearance, is an offence.
The Bank stressed that Ghana spends significant public resources printing and minting currency and urged the public to handle notes and coins with care.
It added that it will collaborate with the police and other law enforcement agencies to monitor compliance and take action against offenders.
