Ghana’s central bank has unveiled a redesigned series of banknotes featuring prominent historical figures and national landmarks, with the new currency scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026.
The Bank of Ghana introduced the notes, known as the Heritage Series, on Thursday, November 12, as part of efforts to update the currency’s design and strengthen its security features.
The redesigned notes will circulate alongside existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender. The new series does not involve the withdrawal of the current currency or a change in its value.
The Heritage Series retains Ghana’s eight denominations: GH₵1, GH₵2, GH₵5, GH₵10, GH₵20, GH₵50, GH₵100 and GH₵200.
The central bank explained that the redesign followed more than two decades of using the core designs of the existing banknotes.
Banknotes Highlight Ghana’s History and Culture
Each denomination features historical personalities and landmarks representing different aspects of Ghana’s national identity.
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The GH₵1 note honours Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a pioneering market trader and market queen in Accra. It also features Makola Market in recognition of the contribution of market women to the country’s economy.
The GH₵2 note features Cardinal Peter Dery, a prominent Ghanaian Catholic leader, alongside the historic Larabanga Mosque in northern Ghana.
The GH₵5 note celebrates education through the image of James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, an educator and Pan-Africanist, and Achimota School.
Ghana’s first female judge, Annie Ruth Jiagge, is featured on the GH₵10 note alongside the Supreme Court building, representing the country’s judicial system.
The GH₵20 note highlights cultural and artistic heritage through the image of composer and music scholar Ephraim Amu and the National Theatre.
The GH₵50 note pays tribute to Theodosia Okoh, who designed Ghana’s national flag, while the GH₵100 note features former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the peacekeeping training centre named after him.
The GH₵200 note, the highest denomination, features Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, alongside his mausoleum in Accra.
Traditional Adinkra symbols also appear across the new series.
Central Bank Highlights Security Features
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, explained that the redesigned notes incorporated improved security features and greater durability, alongside updated designs intended to make counterfeiting more difficult.
The central bank also indicated that the notes had been redesigned to make them easier to handle and carry.
The Director of Currency Management at the Bank of Ghana, Dominic Owusu, noted that the existing GH₵200 note was particularly large and could be difficult for some people to fit into their wallets.
He explained that the redesigned version addressed the concern by adopting a smaller format.
President John Dramani Mahama, who attended the launch, urged Ghanaians to treat the currency with pride.
“Carry the cedi note with pride and uphold the confidence on which it rests to continue to serve Ghana securely and well for generations to come,” Mahama urged.
Existing Notes Remain Legal Tender
The Bank of Ghana assured the public that existing cedi banknotes would remain valid after the Heritage Series entered circulation.
It stressed that there was no need for people to rush to banks to exchange their old notes or withdraw money in anticipation of the new currency.
The central bank announced plans to conduct a nationwide public education campaign to familiarise the public with the redesigned notes and their security features.
It also urged people to handle the banknotes carefully by avoiding writing on them, crumpling them or using them to make decorative money bouquets.
According to the central bank, proper handling would help extend the lifespan of the notes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
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