President Mahama Urges Ghanaians to See Cedi as National Symbol Beyond Politics

On November 12, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Ghana Heritage Series banknotes at the Bank of Ghana’s headquarters in Accra. He emphasized that the cedi is a national symbol that belongs to all citizens, irrespective of the government in power. The President noted that the currency should not be identified with any political party or used as a basis for political division.

The launch of the new banknotes was held under the theme: “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure and Designed to Last.” President Mahama described the cedi as more than a medium of exchange, but an important representation of Ghana’s sovereignty, heritage and collective identity. He recalled that before the introduction of modern currency, cowrie shells were used in trade and exchange in parts of the country.

The President highlighted the country’s monetary history, which is closely connected to its cultural heritage. He noted that the name cedi was derived from the Akan word “sedie”, meaning cowrie shell. The redesign of the banknotes provides an opportunity to celebrate aspects of Ghana’s past while looking towards the future. The new notes are designed to tell a Ghanaian story and recognize the personalities, places and cultural symbols that have contributed to the country’s development.

President Mahama described currency as a “quiet ambassador” for a country, communicating a nation’s history and identity to people who encounter them. He urged Ghanaians to appreciate the new banknotes beyond their monetary value, representing a common national identity that should be protected and respected. The President also linked the future of the cedi to the country’s economic transformation agenda.

The government is pursuing a $10 billion, four-year economic programme aimed at transforming the country’s productive capacity and building a stronger economy. Under the programme, Ghana will have to produce more of what it consumes, process more of its agricultural produce and natural resources, and expand its exports. President Mahama stressed that the stability of the currency depends partly on Ghana’s ability to strengthen domestic production and reduce its reliance on imported goods.

The President cautioned against assessing the strength of the cedi solely through economic figures and indicators, saying its performance must ultimately translate into improvements in the everyday lives of Ghanaians. He emphasized the need for Ghana to move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products, requiring greater investment in local processing and manufacturing to build a more resilient economy.

President Mahama commended the Bank of Ghana for developing the new series and acknowledged the institution’s role in maintaining the country’s monetary and financial system. The Bank of Ghana approaches its 70th anniversary in March 2027, established on March 4, 1957, shortly before Ghana attained independence. The President highlighted the importance of building local expertise and institutional capacity.

Key points

• President Mahama urges Ghanaians to see the cedi as a national symbol beyond politics.
• The new banknotes are designed to tell a Ghanaian story and recognize the country's cultural heritage.
• The President links the future of the cedi to the country's economic transformation agenda.