“Heritage series cedi notes to be launched on Nov. 3” — Bank of Ghana Governor announces

The Bank of Ghana will officially launch a new generation of Ghana cedi banknotes, known as the Heritage Series, on November 3, 2026, Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced.

The new banknotes are being introduced under the theme “The Cedi, Our Future — Secure, Designed to Last”, as the central bank seeks to modernise Ghana’s currency after more than two decades of the existing core banknote designs.

Dr. Asiama made the announcement on Thursday during the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings press briefing in Accra.

According to the Governor, the redesign has become necessary as patterns of currency circulation have evolved, technology has advanced and security threats, including counterfeiting, have become increasingly sophisticated.

The Heritage Series will incorporate enhanced security features and improved durability, alongside modern designs intended to reflect Ghana’s heritage, culture, identity and national aspirations.

Dr. Asiama said 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 redesign therefore goes beyond aesthetics. For the central bank, the condition and security of physical currency have direct implications for the cost of replacing damaged notes and maintaining an efficient cash-management system.

The Governor sought to prevent any uncertainty among the public by stressing that the introduction of the Heritage Series does not mean existing Ghana cedi banknotes will cease to be legal tender.

The new notes will co-circulate with the existing banknotes.

Dr. Asiama therefore urged the public not to rush to banks to exchange or withdraw their existing notes simply because the Heritage Series is being introduced.

This means Ghanaians will be able to use both the existing notes and the new Heritage Series during the transition.

BoG takes aim at ‘money bouquets’ and spraying

The Governor also used the occasion to issue a strong appeal for better treatment of Ghana’s physical currency.

He said the integrity of the cedi is not solely the responsibility of the Bank of Ghana but a shared national responsibility involving citizens, businesses, traders and financial institutions.

He urged the public to stop crumpling, writing on and stapling banknotes, while also calling for an end to the use of currency for decorative purposes.

In particular, he appealed to Ghanaians to desist from “money bouquets,” spraying and showering banknotes at social events.

According to Dr. Asiama, proper handling of banknotes will help preserve their quality, extend their useful life and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.

The Heritage Series is also being positioned as an opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s national identity.

Dr. Asiama said the denominations would draw inspiration from Ghanaian iconographic elements, allowing the new currency to honour national heroes and showcase the country’s heritage and culture while projecting its aspirations for the future.

The launch on November 3, 2026, at Bank Square in Accra, will therefore mark a significant moment in the physical evolution of Ghana’s currency.

For the Bank of Ghana, the ambition is clear: to ensure that the cedi remains secure, durable, resilient and fit for a rapidly changing economy.

And for the public, the message accompanying the new currency is equally clear — embrace the Heritage Series, but treat the cedi as a national asset rather than an object for abuse.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith