New Cedi notes to run concurrently with the old Cedi notes – BoG
New Cedi notes to run concurrently with the old Cedi notes – BoG
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has assured the public and business community that existing cedi banknotes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the newly unveiled “Ghana Heritage Series” banknotes.
Speaking at the official launch of the upgraded currency series in Accra on Thursday, November, 12, 2026, the Governor of BoG, Dr. Johnson Panduit Asiama, emphasized that the rollout is strictly a currency upgrade rather than a redenomination.
He clarified that the face value and purchasing power of the Ghana cedi remain completely unchanged, urging citizens not to panic or rush to banking halls to exchange their current cash.
According to the central bank, the new banknotes will officially enter public circulation on December 1, 2026. Commercial banks will facilitate a seamless transition by gradually withdrawing old, worn-out notes from the system during routine banking operations.
President John Dramani Mahama, who joined the central bank leadership to unveil the notes, commended the initiative as a vital step toward strengthening public confidence in the national currency and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
The Ghana Heritage Series spans all eight paper denominations: GH¢1, GH¢2 (which is being reintroduced into active circulation), GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100, and GH¢200. Existing coins remain unaffected by the upgrade.
To address recurring challenges with counterfeit currency and rapid wear and tear, the new banknotes are printed on reinforced cotton paper and feature more compact dimensions, notably a smaller GH¢200 note designed to fit standard wallets easily.
They also incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, including SPARK LIVE colour-changing magnetic images, enhanced tactile marks for the visually impaired, and upgraded watermarks.
Alongside the physical notes, the BoG introduced a dedicated mobile application, the Cedi App, to help merchants and everyday users quickly verify the authenticity of the new banknotes.
The central bank concluded by urging Ghanaians to handle the currency responsibly, advising against crumpling, writing on, spraying cash at social events, or folding notes into money bouquets, to extend the lifespan of the banknotes and reduce national currency printing costs.
