The Bank of Ghana (BoG) says its new Heritage Series banknotes are designed to modernise the cedi while preserving its identity as a symbol of Ghana’s sovereignty, economic identity and national pride.
Director and Head of Currency Management at the BoG, Dominic Owusu, said the new series was not merely intended to replace existing banknotes but to ensure that the national currency remains secure, trusted, durable and fit for the future.
The Heritage Series is scheduled to be officially launched on November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, September 25, Mr Owusu said the cedi had significance beyond its function as a medium of exchange.
“The introduction of the Heritage Series is not simply just about changing Ghana’s banknotes,” he said.
According to him, the Bank’s focus is to maintain public confidence in the currency while ensuring that it meets the demands of a rapidly changing technological environment.
“It’s about safeguarding the integrity of our national currency, ensuring that the cedi remains secure, trusted, durable, and fit for the future,” he added.
Cedi as a national symbol
Mr Owusu described the cedi as an important national symbol that reflects Ghana’s sovereignty and economic identity.
“The cedi, if you appreciate it, is more than a medium of exchange,” he said.
“It is an important symbol of our sovereignty, economic identity, and pride, national pride,” he added.
He said the Heritage Series would preserve these qualities while introducing improvements in banknote technology, security features and durability.
Responding to technological change
Mr Owusu said rapid technological advancement had significantly transformed banknote production and security, requiring central banks to periodically review the currencies they issue.
He cited the evolution of digital technology as an example of how quickly the environment in which banknotes operate is changing.
“If you look at just some few years ago, I mean, you and I, when we needed to search for something on the internet, we were using Google. Today, we are using AI,” he said.
He noted that similar advances had taken place in banknote technology.
“There has been immense transformation technologically in the advancement of banknote technology,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Mr Owusu said the BoG had adopted a forward-looking approach in designing the Heritage Series.
“Because of that, the Bank of Ghana, looking into the future, has decided to introduce the Heritage Series, which provides security, durability, and functionality of the banknotes,” he said.
Existing banknotes to remain in circulation
The BoG says the new banknotes will incorporate measures aimed at improving their durability and extending their lifespan in circulation.
The Bank, however, has cautioned the public that the enhanced durability should not be interpreted as a reason to mishandle the currency.
Ghanaians are expected to continue treating banknotes with care to preserve their quality and integrity.
The introduction of the Heritage Series will also not immediately invalidate the existing banknotes.
Current banknotes will continue to circulate alongside the new series, allowing members of the public to use both versions after the launch.
The BoG says the Heritage Series is ultimately intended to combine the historical and national significance of the cedi with modern improvements in security, durability and functionality, helping to ensure that Ghana’s currency remains trusted and fit for the future.
