The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned that several common ways Ghanaians handle cedi notes and coins at weddings, birthdays, funerals and other social events are against the law and could result in arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment.

In a public notice issued on July 14, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Bank, Aimee Vyda Quashie, the central bank said it has observed the increasing misuse of Ghana’s currency, a practice that affects the quality, integrity and public image of the cedi.

The BoG explained that the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended, and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), protect Ghana’s currency and prohibit acts that deface or improperly use it.

Here are 10 things you should never do with Ghana cedi notes and coins.

READ ALSO: NPA increases fuel price floors; see latest prices

Spraying or showering cedi notes during weddings, funerals, birthdays and other social gatherings is prohibited. The Bank says the practice amounts to improper handling of the national currency and could attract legal sanctions.

Using cedi notes to create money bouquets for weddings, graduations, birthdays or other celebrations is also against the law. According to the BoG, the national currency is intended to serve only as legal tender and should not be used for decorative purposes.

READ ALSO: DVLA unveils new timeline for digital number plates; see full details

Throwing banknotes onto the ground, stepping on them or dancing on them during celebrations is another prohibited act. The Bank says such actions contribute to the damage and deterioration of the currency.

Writing on cedi notes, tearing, crumpling, staining, soiling or otherwise damaging banknotes and coins is prohibited. The BoG urged the public to keep the currency clean and intact to extend its lifespan.

READ ALSO: BoG exchange rates for July 14: See how the Ghana cedi traded against major currencies

The central bank warned against using banknotes or coins in artistic displays, jewellery, fingernail designs or other decorative arrangements. It said these uses amount to tampering with or defacing the currency.

The BoG said banknotes should never be cut, engraved, pierced, stamped or altered in any way. Such acts violate Ghana’s currency laws and undermine the integrity of the cedi.

READ ALSO: Bank of Ghana revokes Zeepay’s licence over regulatory breaches, urges customers to seek support

Changing the appearance, colour, weight or value of coins by filing, cutting, colouring, gilding, silvering or defacing them is an offence. The Bank also warned that possessing filings, scrapings or parts of tampered coins is unlawful.

The notice further states that buying or selling a coin for more than its official face value is prohibited under Ghanaian law.

The BoG said individuals and organisations must obtain prior approval before using images of Ghana’s banknotes or coins, warning that unauthorised use is prohibited.

READ ALSO: 8 African countries to enjoy visa-free entry into Spain in 2026 — See full list

The Bank stressed that cedi notes and coins are meant solely to serve as legal tender. They should not be crumpled, mutilated, engraved, pierced or used in ways that compromise their quality or functionality.

According to the BoG, Ghana spends substantial public funds every year printing banknotes and minting coins. Improper handling shortens the lifespan of the currency, increases replacement costs and affects its appearance and usability.

The central bank has therefore urged individuals, businesses and institutions to handle cedi notes and coins responsibly and report violations to the appropriate authorities.It warned that anyone found engaging in the prohibited acts could face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment in accordance with the law, adding that it will work closely with the police and other state law enforcement agencies to enforce the regulations.