Authorities in Ghana have arrested seven women accused of making decorative bouquets and cakes using banknotes, a practice that has grown increasingly popular for special occasions.
The suspects were arrested at several locations across Accra on Monday in a joint operation involving the Bank of Ghana and police.
They are accused of producing the cash-based gifts, which are commonly presented during birthdays, weddings and graduation ceremonies.
The Bank of Ghana warned in July that using Ghanaian cedi banknotes for decorative purposes is prohibited under the Currency Act. The central bank also cautioned that offenders could face fines or imprisonment.
“This practice is inappropriate and against the law,” said Dinah Bonzi, head of the statistics office at the Bank of Ghana’s Currency Management Department, according to AFP.
“We need to respect the Ghanaian cedi as legal tender. Anyone who misuses or defaces it will face action,” she said.
The arrests come as authorities step up enforcement against the misuse and defacement of Ghana’s currency, including turning banknotes into decorative gifts.
