The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has unveiled the upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series at Bank Square, Accra, on Thursday, 12th November 2026.
The launch, “under the theme The Cedi, Our Future: Secure & Designed to Last,” was attended by the President of the Republic, traditional rulers including the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Togbe Afede XIV, Speaker of Parliament, Ministers of State, diplomats, and heads of financial institutions.
What Is The Heritage Series?
According to Dr. Asiama, the new series brings Ghana’s history and cultural identity to life through distinctive designs featuring:
– National heroes
– Historic sites and monuments
– Adinkra symbols
Each denomination tells a distinct story, connecting Ghana’s heritage with its present aspirations.
Key Features:
Enhanced security features— to fight counterfeiting and help the public easily identify genuine notes
Improved durability— to withstand Ghana’s climate and frequent handling, and last longer in circulation
Smaller, more portable sizes — easier to handle and carry
“This launch is more than the introduction of upgraded banknotes. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our responsibility to protect the cedi, celebrate the heritage that defines us and prepare our currency for the demands of a changing world.” — Dr. Asiama
When Will It Start Circulating?
From 1st December 2026, the Heritage Series will be introduced into circulation.
It will circulate alongside the existing series, which remains legal tender, to allow the public and businesses to adjust smoothly without disruption.
Modernising Currency Management:
The Governor announced several supporting innovations:
ECOMS— Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software, developed entirely in-house by Bank of Ghana, to connect the Bank with commercial banks and improve currency operations.
New Cash Centres — to be established at Ho and Tamale Regional Offices to bring currency services closer to the people.
Cedi App— to help the public learn the features of the Heritage Series and assist people with visual impairments
New Currency Act— Bank of Ghana is working with stakeholders to replace the old Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), with tougher penalties for counterfeiting and stronger laws against mutilation and abuse of banknotes and coins
Cash Still Matters:
Dr. Asiama stressed that while digital payments are transforming the economy, physical cash remains an essential pillar of monetary resilience — especially when networks fail due to technical faults, cyber incidents, or natural disasters.
“A resilient economy must be able to benefit from technological progress while retaining the capacity to function when technology fails.”
Nationwide Education Campaign:
The Bank will embark on a nationwide public education campaign across all regions and in major local languages to help every Ghanaian know their cedi and understand the security features.
He urged the public to handle the currency with care and desist from mutilation, defacement, and misuse of banknotes and coins.
“Our currency is a national asset and a symbol of our sovereignty; it must be treated with the respect it deserves.”
Why It Matters:
The launch comes as the Bank of Ghana approaches its 70th anniversary on 4th March 2027, and as Ghana traces the cedi’s journey from its introduction in July 1965 as the national decimal currency.
