Heritage series incorporates enhanced security features – BoG Governor

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has highlighted the enhanced security features of the newly introduced Ghana Heritage Series banknotes, saying the improvements are intended to strengthen protection against counterfeiting and make it easier for the public to identify genuine currency.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Heritage Series banknotes at the Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, Dr Asiama said the new features reflected the central bank's commitment to protecting the integrity of the cedi and maintaining public confidence in cash transactions.

“The Heritage Series incorporates enhanced security features, and this is to strengthen protection against counterfeiting and to help the public identify genuine banknotes more easily,” he stated.

He explained that the improvements were part of broader efforts to ensure that the country's currency remained secure and reliable, particularly as physical cash continued to play an important role in everyday economic activities.

Dr Asiama also highlighted improvements in the durability of the new banknotes, noting that they had been designed to withstand Ghana's climatic conditions and frequent handling.

“Its improved durability is intended to help notes withstand Ghana's climatic conditions and frequent handling, thereby extending their lifespan in circulation,” he said.

According to the Governor, the enhanced durability would help ensure that the banknotes remain fit for use for longer periods, while supporting efficient currency management.

Beyond security and durability, Dr Asiama pointed to the smaller and more portable sizes of the new banknotes, explaining that the changes would make them easier for the public to handle and carry.

He said: “And of course, the smaller, more portable sizes this time make the notes easier to handle and carry, reflecting the evolving functionality of modern banknotes and the needs of everyday transactions.”

The BoG Governor stressed that the changes were necessary to ensure that physical currency continued to respond to the changing needs of society and the economy.

“These changes demonstrate that physical currency must continue to adapt to how people live, how people work, and of course, how our people conduct business,” he noted.

The introduction of the Heritage Series is expected to reinforce confidence in the cedi, improve the durability of banknotes in circulation, and strengthen measures to protect the currency against counterfeiting.