Image credit: Ghana Business News.
- The Bank of Ghana warned against using cedi notes to make decorative money bouquets.
- The central bank said currency is issued for use as legal tender, not as gifts or decorations.
- It said making money bouquets may involve folding, piercing or stapling notes, which can damage them.
The Bank of Ghana has cautioned the public against using cedi notes to create decorative money bouquets, saying the practice amounts to the misuse of legal tender.
In a notice dated July 14, the central bank said it was concerned about what it described as the abuse of Ghana’s currency through unconventional uses. It said banknotes are issued for use as legal tender and should not be turned into decorative items, gifts, jewellery or artistic displays.
Money bouquets, which arrange currency notes into floral or other decorative forms, have become a feature of some weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations. The Bank of Ghana said producing such displays can involve folding, piercing, stapling and other handling that may damage the notes.
The warning is likely to affect vendors and event planners who make money bouquets for clients. The central bank’s position is that arranging notes in this manner constitutes improper handling of currency.
The notice follows concerns over practices that alter or physically damage banknotes during social events and gift presentations. The Bank of Ghana urged the public to treat the cedi as legal tender and avoid uses that could compromise its condition.
