Bank of Ghana Unveils New Look for the Cedi: What the Heritage Series Means

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is giving the cedi its first major makeover in roughly two decades. Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama announced the redesigned series, called the Heritage Series, on 24 September 2026 after the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

The notes were first scheduled for launch on 3 November at the Bank Square in Accra. The unveiling was later moved to Thursday, 12 November 2026, with no official reason given.

Why the change
The Governor said the redesign is needed because the existing banknotes have been in circulation for more than two decades, while technology and global security standards continue to evolve.

The BoG says the aim is to modernise the cedi while preserving its identity as a symbol of sovereignty, economic identity and national pride.

The theme is "The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last," with designs drawing on Ghanaian iconography and honouring national heroes and culture.

What changes
Security and durability: The new notes carry enhanced security, improved durability and heritage-focused designs. The central bank opted against polymer notes, taking Ghana's tropical climate into consideration.

Cost: Stronger notes should reduce the cost of replacing damaged ones.

Denominations: The BoG says this is an upgrade of existing currency, not new or higher denominations. It has also said there will be no GH¢500 note.

Accessibility: After the unveiling, the bank plans to invite disability groups to handle and test the notes before general issue.

What does not change
Existing notes remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the new series. The Governor asked the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw existing notes.

That matters because counterfeiters tend to exploit public confusion during a changeover. The BoG advises people to wait for its formal guidance on what genuine Heritage notes look like.

Care of notes: Dominic Owusu, the BoG's Head of Currency, cautioned that even the more durable notes will not withstand poor handling habits. The campaign slogan is "Know the Cedi and Keep It Clean."

Context: The launch comes as the BoG says international reserves have crossed $14 billion, and it has played down concerns over the cedi's early-2026 depreciation. A new look does not by itself strengthen the currency. Confidence in the cedi will still rest on inflation, reserves and exchange-rate stability.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,

International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding. (USIP)

[email protected]
+233555275880
References
Bank of Ghana, Governor's statement on the Heritage Series (24 Sept 2026): https://www.bog.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Statement-by-the-Governor-on-the-Introduction-of-the-Heritage-Series-of-Ghana-Cedi-Banknotes.pdf

Ghana News Agency, "BoG to launch new Heritage Series Cedi notes on November 3" (24 Sept 2026): https://gna.org.gh/2026/09/bog-to-launch-new-heritage-series-cedi-notes-on-november-3/

MyJoyOnline, "Heritage Series Cedi notes to modernise cedi while preserving national identity": https://www.myjoyonline.com/heritage-series-cedi-notes-to-modernise-cedi-while-preserving-national-identity-bog/

MyJoyOnline, "We are not introducing higher denominations banknotes": https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-are-not-introducing-higher-denominations-banknotes-as-part-of-heritage-series-issuance-bog/

Adom Online, "BoG to roll out new cedi banknotes in November": https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2710870

Pulse Ghana, "BoG to introduce new cedi notes with enhanced security features": https://www.pulse.com.gh/story/bog-new-cedi-banknotes-heritage-series-2026092415141133279

YEN.com.gh, "BoG postpones unveiling to November 12": https://yen.com.gh/people/315037-bank-ghana-heritage-series-cedi-notes-unveiling-moved-november-12/

YEN.com.gh, "Ghana's new cedi notes: quality, features and denominations": https://yen.com.gh/ghana/315565-ghanas-cedi-notes-launched-november-12-quality-features-denominations/

YEN.com.gh, "BoG urges careful handling of Heritage Series notes": https://yen.com.gh/people/312613-bank-ghana-urges-careful-handling-heritage-series-cedi-banknotes/