The Bank of Ghana has introduced a redesigned family of currency notes called the Heritage Series. The new bills are smaller, last longer, and carry modern security features to stop criminal counterfeiting.
President John Dramani Mahama and central bank Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama presented the currency at Bank Square in Accra on Thursday. The event marks the first major redesign of Ghana's paper money in nearly two decades.
Upgraded Security Protects Daily Trade
The central bank updated the currency because older designs had circulated for over twenty years without major changes. Over that time, digital scanning and illegal reproduction methods improved substantially.
Governor Asiama explained that the Heritage Series adds advanced anti-counterfeiting safeguards to help people spot real bills quickly. The notes also introduce raised touch marks so visually impaired citizens can identify each denomination easily.
These technical updates follow international currency practices. Regular upgrades protect the financial system and help maintain trust in everyday cash payments.
Reinforced Paper and Compact Sizes
The new notes also solve physical wear and tear across the country. They are printed on reinforced cotton paper made to resist heavy handling and hot, humid tropical weather.
The redesign also shrinks the physical dimensions of each denomination. These compact formats mirror modern cash used across Europe, making them lighter and easier to fit inside wallets or pockets.
President Mahama noted that these physical improvements directly help daily trade. Stronger, smaller bills will simplify cash exchanges for market sellers, transport workers, and small business owners.
National Heritage and Market Heroes
The artwork on the Heritage Series highlights Ghanaian culture and history. Each bill features historical monuments, traditional Adinkra symbols, and distinguished national figures.
The family retains eight active values from one cedi up to 200 cedis, while bringing back the two-cedi bill. The one-cedi note features Agnes Oforiwaa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a celebrated leader from Accra's historic Makola market.
Traditional rulers, including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, attended the ceremony to support the new cultural designs.
Dual Circulation Starts on December 1
The new banknotes enter public circulation on December 1, 2026. The central bank confirmed that existing cedi notes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the new series.
The Bank of Ghana will run a nationwide public education campaign before the launch date. This campaign will teach shopkeepers, bank tellers, and consumers how to verify authentic security marks.
Commercial banks across Ghana are now updating automated teller machines and sorting equipment to handle the smaller banknote dimensions.
