‘Ghanaians have the right to gift’ - Ayariga demands clarity from BoG over money bouquet arrests

• Hassan Ayariga says Ghanaians have the right to give legitimately earned money as gifts.

• He wants the BoG to clarify the legal basis for arrests over money bouquets.

• BoG says using cedi notes for money bouquets and other decorations is prohibited.

His comments follow the arrest of seven people in Accra by the BoG, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, for allegedly using cedi banknotes to produce money bouquets and money cakes for commercial purposes.

The arrests were made at different locations in Accra on October 5, according to the BoG. Dinah Bonzi, Head of the Statistics Office at the central bank’s Currency Management Department, said the suspects had been using cedi notes to produce decorative items for customers.

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The BoG said the suspects would be prosecuted and could face fines or imprisonment under the applicable laws.

Reacting to the arrests in a statement shared with Pulse News on Tuesday October 6, Ayariga said the BoG must distinguish between damaging the currency and giving legitimately earned money as gifts.

“I strongly believe that the Bank of Ghana must distinguish between the deliberate destruction or mutilation of our national currency and the simple act of arranging Ghana cedi notes as gifts for loved ones, family members and friends."

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“Ghanaians have the right to give their legitimately earned money as gifts during weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.

“If currency notes are not torn, defaced, destroyed or permanently altered, the Bank of Ghana must explain precisely which provision of the law has been violated.”

Ayariga further argued that the central bank must operate within the law when enforcing regulations governing the use of the cedi.

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“The Bank of Ghana is a regulatory institution, not a law unto itself. Any arrest must have a clear legal foundation, follow due process and respect the constitutional rights of citizens."

“We must protect our national currency, but we must equally protect the rights, freedoms and legitimate businesses of Ghanaians."

“Regulation must be reasonable. Enforcement must be lawful. Citizens must be treated with dignity.”

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Ayariga said the central bank should therefore clearly explain the distinction between legitimate gifting of money and conduct that amounts to unlawful misuse or damage to currency.