The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced plans to introduce a new series of Ghana cedi banknotes, known as the Heritage Series, to replace the current designs. The new series will feature upgraded designs and enhanced security features to make the currency more secure, durable, and resilient to the changing demands of the economy. This was announced by the Governor of BoG, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, at the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press conference in Accra on September 24.
The Heritage Series will be available in the existing denominations of GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100, and GH¢200. The new notes will co-circulate with existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender, meaning the public will not need to rush to exchange their current notes. According to Dr. Asiama, the new notes will be based on the existing series, with upgraded designs for each denomination.
The introduction of the Heritage Series is aimed at strengthening protection against counterfeiting, improving the durability of banknotes, and making currency management more efficient and cost-effective. The new notes will also celebrate the country's heritage, culture, national heroes, and identity through modern designs. Dr. Asiama emphasized that the exercise will be similar to the currency re-denomination programme undertaken by the country in the past.
A detailed programme for the introduction of the new notes will be announced ahead of the official launch on November 3, 2026. The Governor urged the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw their existing notes solely because of the introduction of the new series. He also appealed to businesses, traders, and financial institutions to handle banknotes properly to ensure their longevity.
The need for new banknotes has become necessary because the existing core designs have been in circulation for more than two decades, while technology and security standards have evolved. Dr. Asiama stressed that the rapid modernization of banknotes is imperative to ensure they remain secure, durable, and responsive to the changing needs of the economy.
The Heritage Series will incorporate enhanced security features and improved durability to withstand the demands of prolonged circulation. The upgraded notes are expected to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting and support more efficient and cost-effective currency management. The BoG will communicate the modalities of the introduction of the new notes to the public ahead of the launch.
Existing notes will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the new notes. The Governor encouraged the public to continue using the existing notes, while also introducing the new Heritage Series. The BoG's move is expected to improve the overall security and efficiency of Ghana's currency management.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana to launch new Heritage Series of Ghana cedi banknotes with upgraded designs and security features on November 3, 2026.
- The new notes will co-circulate with existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender.
- The Heritage Series aims to strengthen protection against counterfeiting, improve durability, and make currency management more efficient and cost-effective.
