Could spraying cedis at weddings get you arrested? BoG warns Ghanaians

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a strong warning to Ghanaians against spraying cedi notes at weddings, funerals and social gatherings, describing the practice, along with making money bouquets and tampering with currency, as criminal offences punishable under Ghanaian law.

The central bank said individuals who continue to misuse the national currency risk arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment, as it intensifies efforts to protect the integrity and image of the cedi.

In a public notice dated July 14, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Bank, Aimee Vyda Quashie, the BoG said it had observed a growing trend of improper handling of Ghana’s banknotes and coins, which it warned affects their quality, durability and functionality.

The notice forms part of a renewed public education campaign by the central bank on the proper use and preservation of Ghana’s legal tender.

Wedding celebrations under scrutiny

The BoG specifically identified the popular practice of spraying money at weddings, birthdays, funerals, parties and other social events as unlawful.

It also warned against the growing trend of creating money bouquets where cedi notes are arranged into decorative gifts for celebrations—saying such practices amount to improper use of currency.

According to the Bank, Ghana’s banknotes and coins are issued strictly as legal tender and should not be treated as decorative items or accessories.

Currency is not for decoration

The central bank further cautioned the public against using images of Ghana’s currency for artistic displays, jewellery, fashion designs and other creative purposes without prior approval.

It said activities such as:

* Writing on banknotes;

* Tearing, cutting or altering notes;

* Staining or deliberately damaging currency;

* Scattering money on the ground;

* Dancing or stepping on banknotes during celebrations;

* Turning notes into decorative items;

constitute offences under existing laws.

The BoG said these restrictions are backed by the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which provide protection for Ghana’s currency.

Coins also protected

The central bank also warned against tampering with coins, including changing their appearance, weight or value through processes such as gilding, silvering, colouring, filing, cutting or defacing.

It said buying or selling coins above their face value is also prohibited.

Persons found possessing filings, scrapings or parts of coins obtained through unauthorised alteration could face legal action, the Bank added.

Protect the cedi

The BoG explained that significant public resources are spent annually on printing banknotes and minting coins, making it necessary for citizens to handle currency responsibly.

“The currency notes and coins issued by the Bank of Ghana are meant solely to serve as legal tender,” the Bank said.

It urged individuals, businesses and institutions to respect the cedi and report persons involved in prohibited practices.

The central bank added that it would collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to monitor compliance and take action against offenders.

The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities to improve public attitudes towards the national currency and reduce the cost associated with replacing damaged banknotes.