The Bank of Ghana has assured the public that it will not introduce new and higher-denomination banknotes as part of its Heritage Series rollout on November 3, 2026. According to the Central Bank, the exercise is an upgrade of the existing currencies in circulation, not the introduction of new banknotes. This clarification was made by Dominic Owusu, Director of the Currency Management Department at BoG.
Owusu made the disclosure on the Joy FM Super Morning Show, urging the public to disregard social media commentary suggesting that the Bank of Ghana is working to introduce new notes and higher denominations, such as the GH¢500 note. He highlighted the security features that the Bank of Ghana is incorporating into the upgraded cedi notes, including improved durability and modern designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage and aspirations.
The upgraded cedi notes are designed to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting, withstand prolonged circulation demands, and support more efficient and cost-effective currency management. The Heritage Series will co-circulate with the existing Ghana Cedi banknotes currently in circulation. BoG Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama, stated that the introduction of the new notes is part of efforts to modernize the country’s currency and strengthen its security and durability.
According to Dr Asiama, the upgraded banknotes incorporate enhanced security features, improved durability, and modern designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage and aspirations. The new notes have been designed to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting and withstand the demands of prolonged circulation, while also supporting more efficient and cost-effective currency management.
The Heritage Series will incorporate Ghanaian iconographic elements and honor national heroes, with each denomination designed to tell aspects of Ghana’s history while reflecting the country’s aspirations for the future. The Bank of Ghana stressed that the introduction of the new notes will not invalidate the existing Ghana cedi banknotes, and the new Heritage Series will circulate alongside the existing banknotes.
Members of the public can continue using the current notes after the launch, as the new notes will co-circulate with the existing ones. The Bank of Ghana warned against the misuse of cedi notes and coins, emphasizing the need for responsible handling of the currency.
The Heritage Series rollout is set for November 3, 2026, and the public is advised to be aware of the new security features and designs of the upgraded cedi notes. The Bank of Ghana aims to educate the public about the new notes and their features to prevent confusion and promote a smooth transition.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana will not issue a new GH¢500 note as part of its Heritage Series rollout.
- The upgraded cedi notes will incorporate enhanced security features, improved durability, and modern designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage and aspirations.
- The new Heritage Series will co-circulate with the existing Ghana Cedi banknotes currently in circulation.
