Ayariga challenges BoG to name law behind arrests over cedi gift bouquets

By: Godbless Asaana
Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr Hassan Ayariga, has challenged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to identify the specific legal provisions being violated by people who use genuine Ghana cedi notes to create gift bouquets, cakes and other decorative arrangements.

His comments follow the arrest of seven individuals over the alleged use of cedi notes in money bouquets and cakes presented at weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.

Ayariga said the central bank must clearly distinguish between the deliberate mutilation or destruction of currency and the use of genuine banknotes as gifts without permanently altering them.

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

He argued that where the banknotes have not been torn, defaced, destroyed or permanently altered, the BoG should identify the specific law that has been breached before taking enforcement action.

“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,” Dr Ayariga said.

While acknowledging the importance of protecting the integrity of the Ghana cedi, Ayariga insisted that enforcement measures must be grounded in law and respect the rights of citizens.

“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,” he said.

Ayariga has therefore urged the BoG to publicly clarify the legal position and provide clear guidance on the distinction between acceptable use of banknotes as gifts and conduct that amounts to unlawful treatment or mutilation of the currency.