Mahama to Launch New Heritage Series Cedi Banknotes on November 12

Ghana is set to get a refreshed set of cedi notes, with President John Dramani Mahama expected to launch the Ghana Heritage Series Banknotes on 12 November 2026, as first reported by Citi News.

The Bank of Ghana says the new series is meant to modernise the national currency, make it harder to counterfeit and help the notes last longer in everyday use.

The launch is scheduled to take place at the Bank Square in Accra. It will be held under the theme "The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last."

Why the change

Also read: Ghana Targets Six New Oil Agreements by March 2027, Says Jinapor

Speaking ahead of the event, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama said the upgrade is part of the central bank's response to changing economic and technological conditions.

According to the Governor, the basic designs of the notes now in use have been around for over 20 years. He said this made an upgrade necessary to bring the currency in line with modern security standards and to improve the way it is managed.

The Heritage Series comes with stronger security features and is made from more durable materials. The notes also carry new designs that the Bank says celebrate Ghana's heritage and aspirations.

The central bank expects the improvements to mean notes need replacing less often, which it says should cut the costs involved in managing the currency. It also says the new series is intended to make currency management more efficient and cost-effective overall.

Old notes still valid

The Bank of Ghana has stressed that the arrival of the new notes does not cancel the old ones. Existing cedi banknotes will continue to be legal tender and will be used side by side with the Heritage Series.

For this reason, the Bank has advised the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw the notes they currently hold once the new series is launched.

Call for careful handling

Alongside the announcement, the central bank repeated its appeal for people to treat banknotes with care. It asked members of the public, businesses and financial institutions not to crumple, write on, staple or spray the notes.

The Bank also discouraged using cash for decoration, including making money bouquets. It warned that such practices damage the notes and shorten how long they can stay in circulation.

According to the Bank, handling notes properly will help keep them in good condition, lower replacement costs and make the management of the currency more efficient.