The Bank of Ghana has announced that it will not issue new and higher-denomination banknotes as part of its "Heritage Series" rollout on November 3, 2026. According to the Central Bank, the new series 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 the Bank of Ghana.
Owusu disclosed this information on the Super Morning Show, hosted by Winston Amoah on September 25, 2026. He urged the public to disregard social media commentary suggesting that the Bank of Ghana is working to introduce new notes and higher denominations, such as GH¢500 cedis. The upgraded cedi notes will incorporate enhanced security features, improved durability, and modern designs that reflect Ghana's heritage and aspirations.
The Director of the Currency Management Department highlighted that the new notes are designed to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting, withstand the demands of prolonged circulation, and support more efficient and cost-effective currency management. The Heritage Series will co-circulate with the existing Ghana Cedi banknotes currently in circulation. This means that members of the public can continue using the current notes after the launch.
Speaking at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, stated that the upgraded notes are being introduced in response to changes in currency circulation, advances in technology, and increasingly sophisticated security standards. The Governor emphasized that the new notes will modernize the country's currency and strengthen its security and durability.
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. The new series will circulate alongside the existing banknotes.
The Bank of Ghana's decision to upgrade the cedi notes is part of efforts to modernize the country's currency. The upgraded notes will feature improved security elements, making them more difficult to counterfeit. The Central Bank aims to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the Ghanaian currency.
The new Heritage Series banknotes are expected to be launched on November 3, 2026. The Bank of Ghana has assured the public that the existing banknotes will remain legal tender alongside the new series. The Central Bank's efforts aim to promote a smooth transition to the new banknotes and maintain confidence in the Ghanaian currency.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana will not introduce a GH¢500 note as part of the Heritage Series.
- The new series is an upgrade of existing currencies, not the introduction of new banknotes.
- The upgraded notes will feature enhanced security features, improved durability, and modern designs.
