The Bank of Ghana says mishandling banknotes shortens their lifespan and raises replacement costs as the Heritage Series launches on Thursday.

Published 10 Nov 2026, 19:19 GMT

2 min read

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:002:05

Playback speed

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against spraying, crumpling or folding the new Ghana Heritage Series cedi banknotes into money bouquets ahead of their unveiling on Thursday.

The BoG said writing on banknotes, stapling bundles, scattering cash at social events or turning notes into decorative gifts damages their physical quality, shortens their lifespan in circulation and drives up replacement costs.

The central bank treats currency defacement and decorative misuse as a punishable offence, having worked with the Ghana Police Service in October to arrest seven people in Accra over commercial money bouquets and money cakes following a July enforcement notice.

At the time, Dinah Bonzi warned that using genuine cedi notes and coins in wedding, birthday or graduation bouquets could lead to prosecution, fines or imprisonment. Bonzi heads the Statistics Office within the BoG's Currency Management Department.

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama — Credit: MyJoyOnline

The central bank reiterated that existing Ghana cedi notes remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the Heritage Series, advising the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw older banknotes.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Don&#39;t spray, crumple or turn new Heritage cedi notes into money bouquets – BoG

Suggested for you

More Stories

DDC26: dEX Design Conference names speakers for three-day Accra summit

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Obama Leaders Africa open: how Ghanaians can apply

Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse probe 85% complete; evidence points to prosecution – Education Minister

Ablakwa expresses Ghana’s interest in nuclear energy cooperation with US

Gov’t reaffirms commitment to women’s economic empowerment

Hassan Ayariga acknowledges government&#8217;s economic gains but questions impact on living standards

Discussion

Don't spray, crumple or turn new Heritage cedi notes into money bouquets – BoG

Hassan Ayariga acknowledges government’s economic gains but questions impact on living standards