Accra:Founder and Leader of the All People's Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has issued a challenge to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to specify the legal basis for arresting individuals who arrange Ghana cedi notes into gift bouquets and cakes.
According to Ghana Web, this challenge comes after the arrest of seven individuals in Accra who allegedly used cedi notes to create money bouquets and cakes for commercial purposes. The BoG has stated that such practices constitute misuse of the national currency, warning that offenders could face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
Dr. Ayariga questions the distinction between damaging the national currency and presenting money as a gift. He argues that Ghanaians should have the right to use their legitimately earned money as gifts for occasions like weddings, birthdays, and graduations, as long as the notes remain undamaged.
He pointed out that the central bank must specify which law is being violated when cedi notes are used for gift arrangements without being torn, defaced, destroyed, or permanently altered. Dr. Ayariga also advised the central bank against enforcing regulations without clarifying the legal basis for its actions, emphasizing the need for arrests to have a clear legal foundation and to respect citizens' constitutional rights.
Dr. Ayariga stressed the importance of protecting the national currency while also safeguarding the rights and legitimate businesses of Ghanaians who earn a living from preparing gift packages. Although the BoG has maintained a strict stance on the issue, citing the Currency Act of 1964 (Act 242) in relation to tampering and improper use of currency, Dr. Ayariga is calling for clarity on the application of the law where notes remain intact.
He urged the BoG to explain the difference between lawful money gifting and illegal currency treatment, arguing for reasonable, lawful enforcement that respects citizens' rights.