Bank of Ghana to introduce upgraded cedi banknotes from December 1

On December 1, 2026, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will roll out its upgraded Heritage Series Ghana Cedi banknotes, while still accepting the older designs as legal tender, according to Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama. The announcement came during the launch of the new series at Bank Square in Accra on November 12. The redesigned bills boast advanced security features, enhanced durability, and more compact sizes, alongside portraits of notable Ghanaians, historical landmarks, and cultural symbols.

The Bank of Ghana aims to bolster currency protection, stave off counterfeiting, and make daily transactions smoother with these new bills. Dr Asiama emphasized that the enhanced security measures will deter forgeries and assist the public in identifying genuine notes. The visual redesign also reflects Ghana's cultural heritage and historical landmarks through Adinkra symbols and images of national heroes and monuments.

To ease the transition, the BoG will keep the existing banknotes in circulation alongside the new designs, ensuring a seamless shift without disrupting economic activities. This approach means Ghanaians can continue using their current bills as both series will remain legally valid.

Beyond the aesthetic changes, the BoG is set to implement additional measures to fortify currency management, bolster anti-counterfeiting efforts, and broaden access to cash services. The Bank is collaborating with stakeholders on a new Currency Act, set to replace the 1964 Currency Act (Act 242). The proposed legislation will stiffen penalties for counterfeiting, clarify procedures for dealing with counterfeit notes, and offer stronger legal safeguards against mutilation, defacement, and misuse of banknotes and coins.

Additional initiatives unveiled by the Governor include a nationwide education campaign in major regional languages to educate Ghanaians on identifying authentic banknotes and handling them appropriately. Dr Asiama stressed that despite the rise of digital payments, physical cash remains crucial for Ghana's monetary stability, especially during technical glitches or cyber attacks. He reiterated the Bank's commitment to advancing payment systems while guaranteeing the availability and dependability of physical cash.

Ghana's decision to launch its upgraded cedi notes mirrors Nigeria's 2022 decision to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 bills. The Central Bank of Nigeria did so to combat counterfeiting, enhance financial management, and curb hoarding. With the launch of Ghana's Heritage Series, the country aims to bolster currency management and fortify public trust in the cedi as it prepares for the 70th anniversary of the Bank of Ghana on March 4, 2027.