The Bank of Ghana (BoG), alongside President John Dramani Mahama, officially unveiled the upgraded Ghana cedi banknotes—dubbed the Heritage Series—on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Bank Square in Accra. Marking the country’s first major currency redesign in roughly two decades, the new series is introduced under the theme “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last” and will enter public circulation starting December 1, 2026.
The redesign covers all eight existing denominations—GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100, and GH¢200—while maintaining the current banknotes as valid legal tender. Rather than replacing existing cash immediately, the Heritage Series will circulate alongside current notes as worn-out currency is gradually phased out. BoG Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has emphasized that there is no need for the public to rush to banks to exchange old notes.
Engineered to lower replacement costs and combat counterfeiting, the upgraded notes retain a cotton-based substrate but feature added structural reinforcement for longer lifespan in everyday handling. They also introduce more portable dimensions, advanced anti-counterfeiting security elements, and enhanced tactile markings alongside distinct sizing to help visually impaired users easily differentiate denominations. Visually, each note incorporates modern Ghanaian iconographic elements celebrating the nation’s history, cultural identity, and national heroes. Alongside the launch, the central bank renewed its public appeal against mishandling currency—specifically discouraging crumpling, writing on notes, stapling, spraying cash at events, or using banknotes for decorative “money bouquets”.
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