BoG Launches ‘Heritage Series’ Today

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will officially launch the “Heritage Series” of redesigned Ghana Cedi banknotes today, November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra. It is the country’s first major currency redesign in roughly two decades.

The theme, “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last,” was announced by BoG Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama.

All eight existing denominations are being redesigned. These are GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200. No new denominations are being added, and the value of the cedi is unchanged as this is purely a design and security upgrade.

Each note is “inspired by Ghanaian iconographic elements, telling the story of our past while looking confidently towards the future.”

The designs are expected to showcase Ghana’s heritage, national heroes and cultural symbols, which is a deliberate effort to place Ghanaian history and identity more prominently on the currency.

According to the BoG, the new notes feature enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures and upgraded security technology, responding to roughly 20 years of advances in security standards. They also offer improved durability, meaning they are built to last longer in circulation, which should reduce the cost and frequency of replacing worn-out notes. In addition, they provide better machine readability for more efficient currency management.

The redesign is intended to modernize the currency after two decades of largely unchanged banknotes, strengthen public confidence in the cedi, and respond to evolving security technology and changes in how currency circulates.

Importantly, existing cedi notes will remain legal tender and will not lose value. Both old and new notes will circulate alongside each other.

The BoG has explicitly stated that there is no need to rush to exchange or withdraw existing notes; the transition will be gradual and natural.

The BoG has also appealed to the public to handle notes properly. There should be no crumpling, writing on or stapling them. People should also stop using banknotes for “money bouquets,” spraying or showering at events, and decorative purposes.

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