Seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make 'money bouquets'
The arrests are part of the country's efforts to curb the misuse and abuse of the national currency.
Seven detained for using Ghanaian banknotes to create 'money bouquets'
It is unlawful to misuse Ghana's cedi, including by defacing or illegally altering banknotes
Ghanaian authorities have detained seven people for allegedly using banknotes to make so-called "money bouquets".
The Bank of Ghana says the practice is illegal and constitutes misuse and improper handling of the cedi, the national currency.
The arrests, made with police assistance, came after a tip-off that prompted a raid on the suspects, all women, in different parts of the capital, Accra.
The detentions mark the largest enforcement action yet against misuse of the currency. In July, the bank issued a notice warning that this could amount to an offence.
It cautioned against "acts that tend to depreciate or impair the national currency, including any conduct that undermines its lawful value or use".
Bouquets made of banknotes are often requested as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.
Police have opened investigations, and authorities say the suspects will be prosecuted. They could receive a fine or a prison sentence, to be decided by the court.
Dinah Bonzi, an official in the Bank of Ghana's currency department, said anyone helping or encouraging such activities could also be arrested and prosecuted.
''The Ghana cedi is legal tender… and must be treated with respect. The misuse or abuse of the currency is an offence and may attract sanctions under the law,'' she said.
"Today's arrest should serve as a clear warning to the public. Let us all handle the Ghana cedi with dignity."
The central bank has repeatedly warned against activities such as "spraying" - or throwing money at events such as weddings - writing on or altering notes and using them in decorations such as floral-like bouquets in weddings, birthdays and other occasions.
The use of money decorations has become more common in Ghana in recent years, with the practice also gaining a foothold in other African countries.
In recent years authorities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana have also issued warnings against misusing the national currencies.