The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to clearly explain the legal basis for any arrests involving the arrangement of Ghana cedi notes as gifts.
Dr. Ayariga said the central bank must distinguish between the deliberate destruction, mutilation or defacement of the national currency and the legitimate practice of arranging cedi notes as gifts for loved ones, family members and friends.
According to him, Ghanaians have the right to give their legitimately earned money as gifts during weddings, birthdays, graduations and other social and cultural celebrations.
He argued that where currency notes are neither torn, defaced, destroyed nor permanently altered, the Bank of Ghana must identify the specific provision of the law that makes such an act a criminal offence.
Dr. Ayariga stressed that the Bank of Ghana, although responsible for regulating the country’s currency and financial system, must operate within the confines of the law and the Constitution.
He maintained that any arrest or prosecution must have a clear legal foundation and must be carried out in accordance with due process and the fundamental rights of citizens.
The APC leader said the protection of the integrity of the Ghana cedi was important but cautioned that efforts to safeguard the currency should not result in the violation of citizens’ legitimate freedoms or lawful activities.
He further called for a reasonable approach to regulation and enforcement, insisting that citizens must be treated with dignity whenever regulatory measures are applied.
Dr. Ayariga therefore urged the Bank of Ghana to provide clarity on the legal provisions underpinning recent arrests and enforcement actions, particularly where the currency has not been physically damaged.
He said the distinction between harmless presentation or packaging of money as gifts and conduct that genuinely damages or defaces the national currency must be clearly established to prevent arbitrary enforcement and protect the rights of Ghanaians.
Read the full statement below!
BANK OF GHANA MUST RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS
GIFTING MONEY SHOULD NOT BE CRIMINALISED WITHOUT CLEAR LEGAL JUSTIFICATION
I strongly believe that the Bank of Ghana must distinguish between the deliberate destruction or mutilation of our national currency and the simple act of arranging Ghana cedi notes as gifts for loved ones, family members and friends.
Ghanaians have the right to give their legitimately earned money as gifts during weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.
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.
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.
We must protect our national currency, but we must equally protect the rights, freedoms and legitimate businesses of Ghanaians.
Regulation must be reasonable. Enforcement must be lawful. Citizens must be treated with dignity.
I therefore call on the Bank of Ghana to clarify the legal basis for these arrests and distinguish harmless gift packaging from conduct that genuinely damages our currency.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga
Founder and Leader
All People’s Congress (APC)
