President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Bank of Ghana’s upgraded currency line, the Ghana Heritage Series banknotes, emphasizing that the new notes are built for superior longevity and will circulate alongside existing currency rather than abruptly replacing them.
Speaking at the official unveiling at Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, President Mahama highlighted the physical durability of the redesigned currency and reassured the public that the transition will be seamless.
“The new cedis we introduce today are made of cotton paper and are designed to last longer than the old currency notes they are replacing,” President Mahama stated during the ceremony. “The new notes will run side by side with the old currency notes. They are not displacing the old currency notes. The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely.”
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Held under the theme “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last,” the launch marks the first major overhaul of Ghana’s core banknote designs in over two decades. Working alongside Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the central bank introduced a range of upgrades aimed at modernizing cash handling and curbing the high cost of frequently replacing worn-out bills. Printed on specialized, reinforced 100% cotton-fiber paper with a protective varnish coating, the Heritage Series is specifically engineered to withstand heavy daily handling.
In addition to improved durability, the redesigned notes feature smaller, more uniform dimensions to fit easily into standard wallets—addressing long-standing public complaints about the bulky size of higher denominations like the GH₵200 note. The banknotes also incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, such as 3D micro-optic stripes, optically variable threads, and watermarks, alongside raised tactile elements to assist visually impaired citizens.
Visually, each note celebrates Ghanaian heritage through updated iconography depicting national heroes, historic landmarks, and cultural symbols.
The Bank of Ghana confirmed that the Heritage Series covers all eight existing denominations GH₵1, GH₵2, GH₵5, GH₵10, GH₵20, GH₵50, GH₵100, and GH₵200—including the full return of the GH₵2 note to active circulation. Central bank officials emphasized that no new higher denominations have been introduced, and the monetary value of the cedi remains completely unchanged.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the new banknotes will officially enter public circulation on December 1, 2026. Authorities have urged the public not to panic or rush to commercial banks to exchange their cash, noting that all existing banknotes remain full legal tender and will simply be retired naturally as they pass through the banking system. Officials also renewed appeals for Ghanaians to handle the new currency with care discouraging practices such as crumpling bills, writing on notes, or using cash for decorative “money bouquets” and spraying at social events to help maximize the lifespan of the upgraded cedi.
