The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is set to introduce a new upgraded series of Ghana cedi banknotes to replace the current designs.
The new series, to be known as the Heritage Series, will come in the existing denominations of GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200.
It will have upgraded designs and enhanced security features aimed at making the currency more secure, durable and resilient to the changing demands of the economy.
The Governor of BoG, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, who announced this at the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press conference at the Bank Square in Accra on Thursday (Sept 24), and said detailed modalities would be announced for the introduction of the new notes ahead of the official launch on November 3, 2026.
The Heritage Series is intended to strengthen protection against counterfeiting, improve the durability of banknotes and make currency management more efficient and cost-effective, while using modern designs to celebrate the country’s heritage, culture, national heroes and identity.
Dr Asiama said the new notes would co-circulate with existing banknotes, which would remain legal tender, meaning the public would not need to rush to exchange their current notes.
“The Heritage Series will be based on the existing series, so there will be a new upgraded one for the one cedi, for the two cedi. We are bringing that back. There will be another for the five cedi, for the 10 cedi, for the 20 cedi, for the 50 cedi, for the 100 and for the 200,” he said.
Read also: Graphic Ghana Month: How did the cedi come about? Bank of Ghana explains
Detailed programme
Dr Asiama said the BoG would put together a detailed programme for the introduction of the new notes and communicate the modalities to the public ahead of the November 3 launch.
The Governor said the exercise would be similar to the currency re-denomination programme undertaken by the country in the past, although the existing notes would continue to circulate alongside the new.
He said Thursday’s notice was intended to give the public early information of the upcoming changes and allow for adequate preparations before the new notes arrived.
Security and durability
The Governor said the new banknotes had become necessary because the existing core designs had been in circulation for more than two decades, while technology and security standards had evolved.
“The rapid modernisation of our banknotes is, therefore, imperative, in order to ensure that they remain secure, durable, and responsive to the changing needs of the economy,” he said.
Dr Asiama said the Heritage Series would incorporate enhanced security features and improved durability to withstand the demands of prolonged circulation.
He said the upgraded notes were also expected to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting and support more efficient and cost-effective currency management.
Read also: All you need to know about the new GH¢100 and GH¢200 notes
Existing notes remain valid
The Governor urged the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw their existing notes solely because of the introduction of the new series.
Dr Asiama appealed to businesses, traders and financial institutions to handle banknotes properly.
"Let us desist from crumbling, from writing on them, from stapling them, or from using banknotes for decorative purposes, from what some call money bouquets, from showering, from spraying, or other forms of currency abuse.
"Proper handling will help preserve the quality of our banknotes. It will reduce replacement cost for the central bank, and it will support efficient currency management," the Governor added.