The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce its upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series into circulation on December 1, 2026, with the new banknotes expected to circulate alongside existing notes, which will remain legal tender.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, said the redesigned banknotes feature enhanced security measures, improved durability and smaller, more portable sizes to strengthen currency protection and make everyday transactions more convenient.
Speaking at the launch of the Heritage Series at Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, Dr Asiama said the new notes were designed to reinforce public confidence in the cedi while showcasing Ghana's history and cultural identity.
He said the introduction would be gradual to allow individuals and businesses to adjust without disrupting economic activities.
"The Heritage Series will be introduced into circulation from December 1, 2026, and will circulate alongside the existing series, which remains legal tender," he said.
The redesigned notes feature images of national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols, reflecting aspects of Ghana's cultural heritage.
Dr Asiama explained that the enhanced security features would make counterfeiting more difficult while helping the public distinguish genuine banknotes from fake ones.
He added that improvements in durability would enable the notes to withstand frequent handling and local climatic conditions, potentially extending their lifespan.
The Governor emphasised that the introduction of the new series would not result in the immediate withdrawal of existing banknotes.
New Currency Act
Dr Asiama also announced that the Bank was working with stakeholders to introduce a new Currency Act to replace the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which has regulated the country's currency for decades.
The proposed legislation is expected to introduce tougher penalties for counterfeiting and establish clearer procedures for detecting, surrendering, authenticating and destroying counterfeit banknotes.
It will also provide a stronger legal framework to address the mutilation, defacement and abuse of banknotes and coins.
As part of efforts to improve currency management, the Bank has developed an Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software (ECOMS) entirely in-house to strengthen coordination between the central bank and commercial banks.
The Bank also plans to establish additional Cash Centres at its regional offices in Ho and Tamale to improve access to currency services.
Cedi App and public education
The Governor further announced the introduction of a Cedi App to educate the public on the features of the Heritage Series and improve access to currency information, particularly for people with visual impairments.
A nationwide public education campaign will also be rolled out in major local languages to help Ghanaians identify genuine banknotes and promote responsible currency handling.
Dr Asiama said physical cash remained important to Ghana's monetary system despite the growing adoption of digital payments.
He noted that cash continued to provide an alternative when electronic payment platforms experience technical failures, cyber incidents or other disruptions.
He reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to modernising the country's payment systems while ensuring that physical currency remained accessible and reliable.
The introduction of the Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana's broader currency management reforms as the central bank prepares to mark its 70th anniversary on March 4, 2027.
