The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is preparing to introduce a redesigned family of Ghanaian banknotes as part of an effort to modernise the country’s currency and strengthen its protection against counterfeiting.
Known as the Heritage Series, the upgraded Ghana cedi notes are scheduled to enter circulation on November 3, 2026. The announcement was made by Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama after the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 24.
The central bank says the redesign is necessary because the current banknotes have been in circulation for more than 20 years, during which printing technology, security systems and currency-handling requirements have developed considerably.
Here are seven important things Ghanaians should know about the new cedi notes.
1. The new notes will be called the Heritage Series
The Bank of Ghana has given the upgraded banknotes the name Heritage Series.
According to the central bank, the new designs are intended to do more than provide a means of payment. They will also highlight aspects of Ghana’s history, culture and national identity.
The theme of the new series is “The Cedi, Our Future Secured; Designed to Last.”
2. The new notes will be launched on November 3
The official launch of the Heritage Series is scheduled for November 3, 2026, at Bank Square in Accra.
The announcement means Ghanaians will begin seeing the redesigned notes in circulation from November, although the transition will not require people to immediately replace the currency they already have.
3. All eight existing denominations are covered
The upgraded series will include the country’s existing eight cedi banknote denominations.
These are:
- GH¢1
- GH¢2
- GH¢5
- GH¢10
- GH¢20
- GH¢50
- GH¢100
- GH¢200
The redesign therefore covers the full range of current Ghana cedi banknotes.
4. Existing cedi notes will remain valid
One of the most important points for the public is that the arrival of the Heritage Series does not mean the current banknotes will immediately become invalid.
The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that existing cedi notes will remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the upgraded notes.
The central bank has therefore advised the public not to rush to banks or financial institutions simply to exchange their existing notes because of the redesign.
5. Security features are being strengthened
A major reason for the redesign is to improve the security of Ghana’s currency.
The Bank of Ghana says the Heritage Series will feature enhanced security measures designed to provide stronger protection against counterfeiting.
The move comes as advances in technology have made it increasingly important for central banks to periodically upgrade banknotes and introduce more sophisticated safeguards.
The new notes are also expected to support more efficient currency management.
6. Durability is another major focus
The redesigned cedi notes are being developed to withstand prolonged circulation.
The Bank of Ghana says improved durability should help reduce the frequency with which damaged notes need to be replaced, potentially making currency management more efficient.
The central bank has also appealed to the public, traders, businesses and financial institutions to handle banknotes responsibly.
Ghanaians have been urged to avoid actions such as crumpling, writing on or stapling notes, as these practices can damage currency and increase replacement costs.
7. The designs will celebrate Ghana’s heritage
The Heritage Series is also intended to give Ghana’s national currency a stronger cultural identity.
The Bank of Ghana says the new designs will incorporate elements associated with Ghanaian heritage while honouring national figures and reflecting the country’s aspirations.
The central bank describes the cedi as more than simply a medium of exchange, noting that it also represents Ghana’s economic sovereignty.
The redesigned notes are therefore expected to combine practical improvements with visual elements that tell aspects of Ghana’s national story.
What Ghanaians should know about the new cedi notes
The introduction of the Heritage Series represents the most significant redesign of Ghana’s banknotes in more than two decades.
While the appearance and security features of the currency are being updated, there will be no immediate need for the public to discard or exchange existing notes. Both the current banknotes and the new Heritage Series will circulate together.
The Bank of Ghana has also stressed that protecting the quality of the country’s currency is a shared responsibility. Proper handling can help extend the lifespan of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
With the new Ghana cedi notes scheduled for November 3, 2026, the Heritage Series will mark a new chapter in the development of Ghana’s national currency while retaining the existing denominations and legal status of current notes.
