The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has revealed that the new Heritage Series banknotes will be made of cotton, a decision influenced by Ghana's tropical climate. Director and Head of Currency Management at the BoG, Dominic Owusu, explained that the warm conditions and high humidity in Ghana make cotton banknotes more suitable. He noted that countries with temperate climates have adopted plastic banknotes, but Ghana's environment requires a different approach.
According to Mr. Owusu, Ghana, like many other African countries, uses cotton-based banknotes, a material also used in countries such as the United States and several European countries. The focus under the Heritage Series is to strengthen the durability of the cotton material so the notes can remain in circulation for longer periods. This approach aims to preserve the cedi's national identity while ensuring the currency remains secure, trusted, and durable.
The BoG's decision to retain cotton banknotes is part of its broader efforts to modernize Ghana's currency and respond to developments in banknote technology and security. The Heritage Series will incorporate enhanced security features and improve the functionality of Ghana's banknotes. Mr. Owusu emphasized that improved durability should not encourage the public to mishandle the currency, and the BoG will continue to reinforce the message to Ghanaians to handle banknotes with care.
The new series is expected to be officially launched on November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra. The cedi serves as a symbol of Ghana's sovereignty, economic identity, and national pride. The BoG's initiative is not simply about changing the existing banknotes but about safeguarding the integrity of the cedi and ensuring it remains secure, trusted, durable, and fit for the future.
The Heritage Series forms part of the BoG's efforts to respond to developments in banknote technology and security. The central bank says the new notes are being designed to meet changing requirements while retaining the cotton-based material used in Ghana's currency. This approach aims to ensure that the cedi remains a trusted and secure currency for Ghanaians.
The BoG will intensify public education on authenticating the new Heritage Series banknotes to prevent counterfeiting. Mr. Owusu stressed that the new notes will have enhanced security features, making them more secure and durable. The BoG's decision to retain cotton banknotes has been influenced by Ghana's tropical climate and the need to preserve the cedi's national identity.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana will retain cotton banknotes for the new Heritage Series due to Ghana's tropical climate.
- The new Heritage Series banknotes will incorporate enhanced security features and improve functionality.
- The new series is expected to be officially launched on November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra.
