The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has expressed serious concerns regarding the inappropriate use of its currency transport boxes, warning that repurposing these containers—particularly for illicit activities—poses a significant risk to the Bank’s integrity and operations.
This alert comes in light of the discovery of official BoG cash boxes linked to a significant counterfeiting scheme uncovered in Sapeiman.
During a private visit to the crime scene, Richard Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, confirmed that the boxes recovered were indeed authentic BoG property.
“Authorities have confirmed the authenticity of these boxes,” he stated, prompting important inquiries into how official financial equipment came to be in the possession of a criminal organization.
In a statement titled “Use and Misuse of Bank of Ghana Currency Transport Boxes,” the central bank addressed growing public concern regarding the improper utilization of its wooden cash containers, which were originally intended for the secure transport of currency.
“These boxes are durable, reusable, and designed to endure the rigors of logistics,” the BoG clarified, noting that commercial banks typically return the boxes empty or occasionally repurpose them for non-currency-related logistics.
Nevertheless, the Bank pointed out that some individuals have acquired and reused the boxes for personal or commercial purposes, such as storage or general transport. While this casual repurposing is not inherently illegal, the Bank cautioned against confusing such use with criminal exploitation.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) firmly stated, “The BoG cannot be linked to any improper use of these boxes for criminal or unauthorized purposes.”
“Recent reports suggest that some individuals are exploiting these boxes to tarnish the Bank’s reputation or erode public confidence in its operations.”
The Bank underscored that any attempts to wrongfully connect it to illegal activities through the misuse of its branded property should be regarded as a serious offense, urging law enforcement to take action.
“The exploitation of these boxes for criminal purposes must be thoroughly investigated, and all individuals found responsible should face prosecution,” the BoG asserted.
In an era where visuals can easily mislead the public, the central bank appealed to Ghanaians not to misconstrue the presence of its branded boxes as an indication of official approval or involvement.
“A reused currency box does not represent the authority or endorsement of the nation’s central bank,” the BoG concluded, reiterating its dedication to maintaining operational integrity and protecting public trust.
