The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce its upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series into circulation from December 1, 2026, with the existing banknotes remaining legal tender.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, says the new banknotes feature enhanced security features, 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, 2026, Dr Asiama said the redesigned notes were intended to reinforce public confidence in the cedi while celebrating Ghana's history and cultural identity.
He stressed that the new banknotes would circulate alongside the existing series, allowing individuals and businesses to adjust to the changes without disrupting economic activities.
The Heritage Series features national heroes, historical sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols, bringing elements of Ghana's cultural heritage into everyday financial transactions.
Dr Asiama explained that the improved security features would make counterfeiting more difficult and help the public identify genuine banknotes. The enhanced durability, he added, would also enable the notes to withstand frequent handling and the country's climatic conditions.
New Currency Act
Beyond the redesigned banknotes, the Governor announced that the Bank was working with stakeholders to introduce a new Currency Act to replace the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen penalties for counterfeiting and establish clearer procedures for detecting, surrendering, authenticating and destroying counterfeit banknotes.
It will also provide stronger legal backing to address the mutilation, defacement and abuse of banknotes and coins.
Dr Asiama further disclosed that the Bank had developed an Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software (ECOMS) internally to improve coordination between the central bank and commercial banks in managing currency operations.
The Bank also plans to establish additional Cash Centres at its regional offices in Ho and Tamale to bring currency services closer to the public.
Cedi App and public education
As part of efforts to improve public understanding of the new banknotes, the Governor announced the introduction of a Cedi App to educate users on the features of the Heritage Series and assist persons with visual impairments.
He said the Bank would also embark on a nationwide public education campaign in major local languages to help Ghanaians identify genuine banknotes and handle the currency responsibly.
Dr Asiama noted that despite the growing use of digital payments, physical cash remained essential to Ghana's monetary system, particularly during technical failures, cyber incidents and other disruptions to electronic payment platforms.
He reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to modernising the country's payment systems while ensuring that physical cash remains accessible and reliable.
The introduction of the Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana's broader efforts to modernise currency management and strengthen confidence in the cedi ahead of its 70th anniversary on March 4, 2027.
