The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that its new Heritage Series banknotes will be launched on November 3, 2026. According to Dominic Owusu, BoG's Head of Currency, the upgraded notes will be more durable than existing ones. However, he warned against careless handling, emphasizing that even the new notes will not withstand poor handling habits. Owusu made these remarks during an interview on Eyewitness News on September 24, 2026.
BoG Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has also urged Ghanaians to treat banknotes with greater care. He described responsible currency handling as a collective duty for all Ghanaians, emphasizing that practices such as crumpling, writing on, or stapling banknotes, as well as using them in money bouquets or spraying at events, should be avoided. Dr. Asiama noted that proper handling will help preserve the quality of banknotes, reduce replacement costs for the central bank, and support efficient currency management.
The new Heritage Series banknotes will retain a cotton-based substrate with added reinforcement to improve longevity. The redesigned notes will also carry enhanced security features and incorporate imagery intended to celebrate Ghana's culture, heritage, and national identity. According to Owusu, the Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana's broader drive to strengthen the security, durability, and functionality of the cedi.
The launch of the new banknotes will not render existing cedi notes obsolete. The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that the current and new banknotes will circulate side by side, with both remaining legal tender. The central bank has therefore advised the public not to rush to swap their existing notes when the new series goes live.
The Bank of Ghana's appeal for responsible currency handling is part of its longstanding Clean Note Policy. The central bank has consistently encouraged the public to keep banknotes in good condition over the years. By doing so, the bank aims to reduce the frequency with which it needs to print replacements, which will directly benefit the wider economy.
The Bank of Ghana has also warned Ghanaians about a fraudulent crypto investment scheme operating under the name "Daily Wealth Guide". The scheme, which promises high financial returns, has been described as a common tactic used by fraudulent investment schemes. The BoG and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have jointly warned the public against depositing money with the operators of the platform.
The new Heritage Series banknotes are expected to improve the overall quality of currency in circulation. The Bank of Ghana's efforts to strengthen the security, durability, and functionality of the cedi are ongoing. The central bank's initiatives aim to promote a culture of responsible currency handling and reduce the economic costs associated with currency abuse.
Key points
- The new Heritage Series banknotes will be launched on November 3, 2026, with enhanced durability and security features.
- The Bank of Ghana has urged Ghanaians to handle banknotes with care to reduce replacement costs and promote efficient currency management.
- The launch of the new banknotes will not render existing cedi notes obsolete, and both will circulate side by side as legal tender.
