President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series banknotes at the Bank of Ghana, describing the new currency as a "quiet ambassador" that carries the nation's history into the daily lives of Ghanaians while signalling confidence in the country's economic future.
Speaking at the launch event attended by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, Deputy Governors, members of Parliament, heads of security services, senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, the President commended the central bank for bringing the initiative to fruition and acknowledged international partners who supported the endeavour.
Currency as a symbol of national identity
"The Cedi passes through countless hands," President Mahama said. "It rests in the palm of the kente weaver in Bonwire, and in the hands of the fisherman in Elmina. It is counted by the yam seller in Techiman, and by the students buying Gobe in Legon, and the grandmother in Bolgatanga helping to pay for her grandchildren's school uniform. Across all these different lines, the same currency connects us."
The President emphasised that the Cedi "knows no political parties" and serves Ghanaians across every region, faith, and political persuasion. He noted that the Heritage Series features national figures, historic places, and cultural symbols designed to prompt questions, encourage learning, and deepen understanding of Ghana's history among younger generations.
Historical significance
Reflecting on the origins of the currency's name, President Mahama noted that "cedi" derives from the Akan word for cowrie shell, a reminder that exchange in Ghana predates modern financial institutions.
He referenced the historical trade in cowries and gold dust, highlighting the famous brass weights depicting two crocodiles sharing one stomach—a symbol of shared destiny and mutual responsibility.
"That lesson of the crocodiles remains relevant in Ghana today," he said. "We may approach questions from different perspectives, but the consequences of our choices extend beyond ourselves."
New Economy program unveiled
The President used the occasion to announce a landmark $10 billion four-year New Economy Program, which anchors the 2027 budget, to be presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance later in the day.
"We are working towards an economy that produces more of what we consume, processes more of what we grow, and earns more from what we export to the world," President Mahama declared. "When Ghanaian farms supply our markets and Ghanaian factories turn our resources into finished products, we create jobs locally and reduce the need to spend scarce foreign exchange on goods that we can produce competitively ourselves."
The program aims to transform the structure of the Ghanaian economy through export diversification, import substitution, disciplined public finance, and credible monetary policies—measures the President said would create conditions for a stronger, more stable Cedi better able to withstand global shocks.
Features of the new notes
According to the President, the new series is made of reinforced cotton paper designed to last longer than the old currency notes they are replacing. The notes are also smaller and easier to handle. The new notes will circulate alongside the old currency notes, with banks gradually withdrawing the old notes until the new ones take over completely.
Commendation for Bank of Ghana
President Mahama commended the Bank of Ghana's in-house expertise in developing systems to support currency operations, noting that this demonstrates "the capability of our professionals and the value of building institutional knowledge right here at home."
The launch coincides with the Bank of Ghana's approach to 70 years of service at the center of Ghana's economic sovereignty.
Call for national unity
The President urged Ghanaians to protect the unity the currency represents, calling for tolerance and recognition of mutual responsibility.
"Ghana's cohesion has been sustained by generations choosing to respect one another and to work together," he said. "We honour their efforts by conducting our public affairs with tolerance and recognising our responsibility to one another's well-being."
Formal Launch
The event culminated with President Mahama formally launching the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series, declaring: "May the Cedi build prosperity amongst all Ghanaians. May God bless our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong."
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, was invited to the stage along with First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni and Second Deputy Governor Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu to mark the official unveiling. The Right Honorable Edward K.D. Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State, was specially acknowledged at the ceremony.
