Seven arrested for using Ghanaian banknotes to make 'money bouquets'

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 a swoop on the suspects, all women, accused of selling the bouquets in different parts of the capital, Accra.

The arrests are the biggest enforcement of the law against misusing the currency. In July, the bank issued a notice warning this could amount to an offence.

It warned against "acts that tend to depreciate or impair the national currency, including any conduct that undermines its lawful value or use".

Bouquets of banknotes or cakes decorated with currency are often ordered as gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.

The police have launched investigations, and the authorities say the suspects will be prosecuted. They could face a fine or jail term, to be determined by the court.

Dinah Bonzi, an official in the Bank of Ghana's currency department, said anyone aiding or promoting 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.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.