BoG to introduce new Heritage Series banknotes in November 2026

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is set to unveil a new series of banknotes, dubbed the Heritage Series, as part of its ongoing efforts to overhaul the country's currency and boost its security and sturdiness. This fresh batch of notes is slated for an official unveiling on November 3, 2026, at the Bank Square in Accra. Dr Johnson Asiama, the BoG governor, revealed the details of the new series during a press briefing at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

The Heritage Series will boast enhanced security features, greater durability, and contemporary designs that celebrate Ghana's heritage, culture, and national identity. Dr Asiama emphasized that the upgraded currency is a response to evolving currency circulation patterns, technological advancements, and increasingly stringent security standards. He highlighted that the new notes incorporate robust security measures, enhanced longevity, and modern aesthetics that reflect Ghana's heritage and aspirations.

In terms of practicality, the new notes are engineered to offer superior protection against counterfeiting and can withstand the rigors of extensive circulation, ensuring efficient and cost-effective currency management. Moreover, the Heritage Series will integrate Ghanaian iconography and honor national heroes, with each denomination telling a unique story about Ghana's history while symbolizing the nation's aspirations for the future.

The BoG clarified that the introduction of the new notes will not render the existing Ghana cedi banknotes obsolete. Instead, the new Heritage Series will coexist with the current banknotes, allowing the public to continue using the existing currency after the launch. The Bank has also cautioned the public against the need to rush to exchange or withdraw their existing banknotes solely due to the new series' introduction.

To support the longevity of the new currency, Dr Asiama urged businesses, traders, and financial institutions to handle banknotes responsibly. He cautioned against practices such as crumpling, writing on notes, stapling them, or using them for decorative purposes. Proper handling of banknotes, according to the BoG, would preserve their quality, lower replacement costs, and facilitate smoother currency management.

Under the theme "The Cedi: Our Future, Secure, Designed to Last," the Heritage Series is poised to usher in a new era of Ghanaian currency, combining advanced security, durability, and cultural representation in a single, cohesive design.