By Francis Ntow/James Amoh Jnr, GNA
Accra, Nov. 12, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday launched the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) upgraded Heritage Series banknotes at the Bank Square in Accra, describing the new currency as a symbol of national pride, confidence and shared heritage.
The Heritage Series will enter circulation on December 1, 2026, and will co-circulate with the existing eight denominations of the cedi: GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200.
The new banknotes feature enhanced security and modernised designs to make the national currency fit for the future, while connecting Ghanaians to their heritage and shared history across all denominations.
The launch, which was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Board members of the Bank of Ghana, and chief executives of banks and financial institutions, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Ghana’s currency.
At the ceremony, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, and Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, jointly unveiled the Bank of Ghana Cedi App, designed to help the public identify and understand the security features of the new Heritage Series banknotes.
President Mahama said the cedi’s story was deeply rooted in Ghana’s heritage, with its name originating from “sedie”, the Akan word for cowrie shells, which served as a medium of exchange long before the establishment of modern financial institutions.
“Long before now, our forebears traded in cowries from the markets of Salaga to communities along the coast. The cowrie conveyed blessings, responsibilities and the bonds people hold to one another,” the President said.
He noted that the national currency was more than a means of payment, as it enabled people to put food on their tables, keep businesses running and support their children’s education, while symbolising what Ghanaians shared as a nation.
“The cowrie also conveyed blessings, responsibilities and the bonds people hold to one another. Like the familiar symbol of two fish joined together sharing one stomach, whatever nourishes one nourishes both – a reminder that when the economy is strong, opportunity spreads, but when it falters, families and businesses across Ghana feel it,” he said.
The President urged Ghanaians to protect, value and preserve the new banknotes as an inheritance from the past, carried into an independent future, and as symbols of national confidence, unity and shared resilience.
Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, said the new banknotes brought Ghana’s history and cultural identity to life through distinctive designs featuring national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols.
He said the notes had enhanced security features to guard against counterfeiting, were easier to authenticate, more durable for Ghana’s climate and everyday handling, and smaller and more portable to fit conveniently into wallets.
Dr Asiama said physical cash remained an essential pillar of monetary resilience, even as digital payment systems continued to expand access to financial services.
“Payment networks can be disrupted by technical failures, cyber incidents, natural disasters and deliberate attacks,” he said.
He noted that when such disruptions occurred, physical cash provided a dependable means of exchange, adding that the Bank would continue to advance digital innovation while ensuring that cash remained accessible and reliable.
On the Cedi App, he said it was designed to help the public familiarise themselves with the security features of the Heritage Series and assist persons with visual impairments.
New cash centres would be established at the Bank’s regional offices to bring currency services closer to the public, he said.
The Governor said the Bank would also embark on a nationwide public education campaign across all regions and in major local languages to ensure that every Ghanaian became familiar with the new cedi notes and understood their security features.
“The Heritage Series gives us an opportunity to look back with pride at the journey that has brought us this far, while looking forward with confidence to the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead,” Dr Asiama said.
“Let us all protect it, let us value it, and let us take pride in it – not just because it bears the name of Ghana, but because it represents the aspirations of our people and the future we are building together.”
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe