Bank of Ghana Breaks Silence on Old Cedi Notes After Mahama’s Latest Announcement

Ghanaians are set to see a new look for their money following the launch of the Heritage Series Ghana cedi banknotes by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 12, 2026. But while the new notes have attracted attention, the Bank of Ghana has made an important announcement that every trader, business owner and ordinary Ghanaian needs to understand.

The launch took place at the Bank Square in Accra as part of efforts to modernise the country’s currency and improve its security and durability.

The new notes are being introduced under the theme, “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last.” The Bank of Ghana says the changes are intended to make the currency stronger, more difficult to counterfeit and better suited to the needs of the economy.

The Heritage Series covers eight denominations: GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200. The return of the GH¢2 note is one of the notable features of the new series.

However, the central bank has made it clear that the introduction of the new notes does not mean the old ones have become invalid. Existing Ghana cedi notes will remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the upgraded versions.

This means Ghanaians do not have to rush to banks to exchange their money. The exercise is also not a redenomination and does not change the value of the cedi.

The new notes come with improved security features and better durability. The Bank of Ghana hopes these changes will make it harder for criminals to produce fake currency while reducing the cost of replacing damaged notes.

The designs also seek to celebrate Ghana’s history, culture and national identity through images inspired by the country’s heritage.

The central bank has also appealed to Ghanaians to change how they handle money. It has warned against writing on notes, stapling them, crumpling them, spraying cash at social events and using banknotes to make money bouquets.

According to the Bank, these practices damage the notes and increase the cost of replacing them.