The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that the newly upgraded Ghana Heritage Series banknotes will enter circulation starting December 1, 2026, alongside the existing banknotes.
Speaking at the official launch of the Ghana Heritage Series banknotes at the Bank Square in Accra, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, said the new banknotes were designed to celebrate Ghana’s history and cultural identity as well as improve security, durability, and convenience in transactions.
He explained that the new series featured distinctive designs highlighting national heroes, historic sites, monuments, and Adinkra symbols to highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage.
According to him, the upgraded notes incorporate enhanced security features, improved durability, and smaller, more portable sizes to make them easier to handle and carry.
He said, “With enhanced security features, improved durability and more portable sizes this time, the new series is designed to reinforce the security of the Cedi, enhance convenience in everyday transactions and instil a renewed sense of pride among Ghanaians in their national currency”.
Dr. Asiama noted that the introduction of the Heritage Series went beyond the issuance of upgraded banknotes but was part of efforts to modernise currency management, preserve public confidence, and reflect the aspirations of generations of Ghanaians.
He said that the currency had played a central role in the country’s economic sovereignty since the introduction of the Cedi as the national decimal currency in July 1965, following the country’s independence in 1957, and forms part of the preparation by the Bank of Ghana to mark its 70th anniversary on March 4, 2027.
The Governor said the credibility of the national currency depended not only on sound monetary policies and effective institutions but also on the confidence of the people who used it adding that the new notes had been designed to withstand the country’s climatic conditions and frequent handling to improve their lifespan.
Touching on the role of physical cash, Dr. Asiama stated that cash remained an essential part of the country’s monetary resilience, despite the growing adoption of electronic payment systems.
He explained that technical failures, cyber incidents, and other disruptions could affect digital payment networks, making physical cash an important alternative for households and businesses.
“Digital payments are transforming economies, but at the same time, experience around the world has shown that payment networks can be disrupted. When such disruptions occur, physical cash provides a dependable means of exchange.” he added
The Governor further disclosed that the Bank of Ghana had developed an Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software, known as ECOMSÂ to improve coordination and operational efficiency in currency management.
He said the Bank was also modernising its currency processing centres and planned to establish additional cash centres at its regional offices in Ho and Tamale to ensure currency services are brought closer to the public.
As part of the launch, the Bank also introduced the Cedi App, which is expected to educate the public on the security features of the Heritage Series and assist persons with visual impairments.
Dr. Asiama announced that the existing banknotes would continue to circulate alongside the new Heritage Series and would remain legal tender during the transition period.
He said the arrangement was intended to give individuals and businesses sufficient time to adjust to the new notes without disrupting economic activities.
The Governor also revealed that the Bank was working with stakeholders on a new Currency Act to replace the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which he said needed to be updated to reflect changes in the current financial and economic environment
The Governor further explained that the proposed legislation would strengthen measures against counterfeiting, establish clearer procedures for detecting and destroying counterfeit notes, and provide legal backing to efforts to prevent the mutilation and abuse of banknotes.
Dr. Asiama further announced plans by the Bank to embark on a public education campaign across the regions and major local languages to enable people to become familiar with the new notes and their security features.
He urged the public to handle the currency responsibly and take pride in the national heritage represented by the new series.
Apart from the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, who launched the Cedi App, the event also brought together some Ministers of state, Members of Parliament, representatives from the banking industry, and several other dignitaries.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah