Existing cedi notes remain legal tender alongside new Heritage Series – BoG

The Bank of Ghana has assured the public that existing Ghana cedi banknotes will remain legal tender following the introduction of the new Ghana Heritage Series. The central bank says current banknotes will continue to circulate alongside the upgraded series, dismissing any need for the public to rush to exchange or withdraw their existing cash.

The assurance comes ahead of the official launch of the Heritage Series by President John Dramani Mahama on November 12, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra. The new banknotes form part of the Bank of Ghana’s efforts to modernise the currency, improve security features and enhance durability.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, said the upgrade was necessary because the core designs of the existing banknotes had been in circulation for more than two decades. The new series, introduced under the theme “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last,” incorporates enhanced security features and more durable materials to strengthen protection against counterfeiting and improve the lifespan of the notes.

The Bank expects the improvements to support more efficient and cost-effective currency management by reducing the frequency of banknote replacement. Meanwhile, the central bank has urged the public, businesses and financial institutions to handle banknotes responsibly to preserve their quality and reduce replacement costs.

It has cautioned against practices such as crumpling, writing on, stapling or spraying banknotes, as well as using currency for decorative purposes, including money bouquets. The Bank of Ghana’s assurance is intended to calm any concerns among the public about the fate of their existing cash and to ensure a smooth transition to the new series.

The launch of the Heritage Series marks a significant step in the modernisation of Ghana’s currency, with the central bank confident that the enhanced features will improve the security and durability of the cedi while maintaining public confidence in the monetary system.

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