Dr Hassan Ayariga, Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has demanded that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) provide the explicit legal justification for apprehending individuals who utilize authentic Ghana cedi notes to construct gift bouquets, cakes, and other decorative items.
This statement emerges following the detention of seven persons in connection with the use of cedi notes in monetary bouquets and cakes for nuptials, birthday celebrations, academic graduations, and other festive occasions.
Dr Ayariga contended that the BoG must differentiate between intentional mutilation or destruction of currency and the utilization of legitimate banknotes as presents.
“Citizens of Ghana possess the entitlement to present their lawfully obtained funds as gifts during weddings, birthday celebrations, graduations, and other festive events,” he stated.
He maintained that where banknotes remain intact, unmarked, undestroyed, or unaltered in any permanent manner, the BoG must identify the particular statute that has been contravened prior to implementing enforcement measures.
“Should currency notes remain unripped, unmarked, undestroyed, or unaltered permanently, the Bank of Ghana must articulate precisely which statutory provision has been transgressed,” Dr Ayariga asserted.
While recognizing the imperative to safeguard the cedi’s credibility, he emphasized that enforcement activities must operate within legal parameters and uphold the fundamental rights of the populace.
“The Bank of Ghana functions as a regulatory authority, not as an autonomous legal entity. Any apprehension must possess a substantive legal foundation, adhere to procedural requirements, and honor the constitutional protections afforded to citizens,” he remarked.
Dr Ayariga called upon the BoG to transparently communicate the legal framework and furnish explicit direction regarding the distinction between permissible gift presentation methods and activities that constitute prohibited treatment of currency.
