{
  "id": 12407374,
  "title": "Seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make ‘money bouquets’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/seven-arrested-for-using-ghanaian-banknotes-to-make-money-bouquets-12407374",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:45:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/seven-arrested-for-using-ghanaian-banknotes-to-make-money-bouquets/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghanaian authorities have apprehended seven individuals for allegedly utilizing Ghanaian banknotes to craft \"money bouquets\" and adorn cakes. The Bank of Ghana declares the practice unlawful and constitutes the improper use and handling of the cedi, Ghana's national currency. The arrests, conducted in coordination with the police, stemmed from a tip-off resulting in a raid on the suspects, all women, accused of selling the bouquets across various areas of Accra. This represents the most extensive enforcement of the law against the misuse of currency. Prior to this, the bank released a notice in July cautioning that such acts could be deemed offenses, urging against any conduct undermining the currency's lawful value or utility. These bouquets or cake decorations often serve as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other events. The police are investigating the case, and the authorities state that the suspects will face prosecution, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment, as determined by the court. Dinah Bonzi, an official from the Bank of Ghana's currency department, emphasized that anyone contributing to or encouraging such activities could also be arrested and prosecuted. She reiterated that the Ghana cedi is legal tender and must be treated with respect, stating that misusing or abusing the currency is an offense and may incur sanctions under the law. The central bank has consistently cautioned against actions like \"spraying\" or throwing money during events, writing on or altering notes, and incorporating them into decorations such as floral-like bouquets for weddings, birthdays, and other occasions. The use of money decorations has gained popularity in Ghana in recent years, echoing a trend in other African nations. Authorities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Botswana have also cautioned against misusing their respective national currencies in recent years.",
  "summary": "Ghanaian authorities have arrested seven people for allegedly using banknotes to make so-called “money bouquets” and decorate cakes. The Bank of Ghana says the practice is illegal and amounts to misuse and improper handling of the cedi, the national currency. The arrests, carried out in collaboration with the police, followed a tip-off that led to [...] The post Seven arrested for using Ghanaian…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make 'money bouquets'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/seven-arrested-for-using-ghanaian-banknotes-to-make-money-bouquets",
        "published": "2026-10-06T12:00:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}