Heritage Series Banknotes: Nkrumah survives exclusion of Big Six

The Bank of Ghana has unveiled a new series of banknotes called the Ghana Heritage Series, aimed at celebrating the nation’s history, cultural identity, and heritage while bolstering public confidence in the cedi. The launch, attended by dignitaries including President John Dramani Mahama and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, was held under the theme ‘The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last’.

Dr Asiama emphasized that the Heritage Series was more than a simple upgrade; it offered citizens a chance to appreciate and safeguard the national currency. Each denomination of the new banknotes highlights distinct elements of Ghanaian history and cultural symbols, featuring Adinkra designs to reinforce the connection between the cedi and the country’s identity.

The Bank of Ghana has also introduced an in-house Enterprise Currency Operations Management Software, which aims to enhance coordination, operational efficiency, and currency management. Additionally, new cash centers are being established in Ho and Tamale to bring currency services closer to the public. The Bank launched the Cedi App, intended to educate the public about the features of the Heritage Series banknotes and familiarize them with the upgraded currency.

Furthermore, the Bank of Ghana is working with stakeholders to develop a revised Currency Act, which would strengthen legal provisions against counterfeiting, including more severe penalties for offenders. The Bank is committed to making currency counterfeiting a costly and unappealing criminal activity. The Ghana Heritage Series banknotes are set to reinforce the cedi’s role as a symbol of national identity, improve currency security, enhance operational efficiency, and boost public confidence in the Ghanaian monetary system.