Heritage Series Banknotes to be in circulation from December 1 – BoG Governor

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce its upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series into circulation from December 1, 2026, with the existing banknotes remaining legal tender.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, says the new banknotes have been designed with enhanced security features, improved durability and more portable sizes to strengthen currency protection and improve convenience in everyday transactions.

Speaking at the launch of the Heritage Series at Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Dr Asiama said the upgraded notes were intended to reinforce public confidence in the national currency while celebrating Ghana's history and cultural identity.

"The Heritage Series will be introduced into circulation from December 1, 2026, and will circulate alongside the existing series, which remains legal tender. This approach will allow the public and businesses to adjust smoothly to the Heritage banknotes without unnecessary disruption to economic activity. The Bank remains committed to a well-managed transition that supports continuity in payments and reinforces confidence in the cedi, he said.

The new series features national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols, bringing elements of Ghana's heritage into the country's everyday monetary transactions.

Dr Asiama explained that the improved security features would make it more difficult to counterfeit the notes and help the public identify genuine banknotes more easily.

He added that the improved durability would enable the notes to withstand frequent handling and Ghana's climatic conditions, potentially extending their lifespan in circulation.

The Governor stressed that the introduction of the Heritage Series would not mean the immediate withdrawal of the existing banknotes, as both series would circulate alongside each other.

Beyond the redesigned banknotes, Dr Asiama disclosed that the Bank was working with stakeholders to introduce a new Currency Act to replace the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which has governed the country's currency for decades.

The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen penalties for counterfeiting and establish clearer procedures for detecting, surrendering, authenticating and destroying counterfeit notes.

It will also provide stronger legal backing for the fight against the mutilation, defacement and abuse of banknotes and coins.

Dr Asiama further announced that the Bank had developed an Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software (ECOMS) entirely in-house to improve coordination between the central bank and commercial banks in managing currency operations.

The Bank also plans to establish additional Cash Centres at its Ho and Tamale Regional Offices to bring currency services closer to the public.

As part of efforts to improve public understanding of the new currency, the Governor announced the launch of a Cedi App to educate users on the features of the Heritage Series and assist people with visual impairments.

He said the Bank would also undertake a nationwide public education campaign in major local languages to help Ghanaians identify genuine banknotes and handle the currency responsibly.

Dr Asiama maintained that although digital payments were transforming the financial sector, physical cash remained an essential component of Ghana's monetary resilience, particularly when electronic payment systems experience technical failures, cyber incidents or other disruptions.

He said the Bank remained committed to modernising payment systems while ensuring that physical cash remained accessible and dependable.

The launch of the Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana's broader efforts to modernise currency management and strengthen confidence in the cedi as the central bank prepares to mark its 70th anniversary on March 4, 2027.