ACCRA — The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will officially unveil a new series of cedi banknotes, known as the Heritage Series, on Thursday, November 12, in a ceremony at Bank Square in Accra to be led by President John Dramani Mahama.
The redesigned notes will cover denominations ranging from GH¢1 to GH¢200 and will include the return of the GH¢2 banknote, which had largely been replaced by coins in everyday transactions.
The central bank said the exercise is a redesign of the country's currency and not a redenomination, emphasizing that the value of the Ghanaian cedi remains unchanged. Existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender and will circulate alongside the new series.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the Heritage Series has been developed to improve the durability and security of the country's currency while making it more difficult to counterfeit.
The new banknotes will feature updated security elements, including enhanced security threads and improved printing technology, as well as tactile features designed to help visually impaired users identify different denominations.
The redesigned notes will also incorporate imagery celebrating Ghana's history, culture and national heritage.
The rollout will cover GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200 banknotes. Coins are not included in the current redesign.
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama urged the public not to rush to commercial banks to exchange their existing notes, saying both the old and new banknotes will remain in circulation.
The central bank said it will conduct a nationwide public awareness campaign after the official launch to educate businesses and the public on the security features of the new notes before they enter circulation.
Commercial banks and cash handling companies have also been given time to recalibrate automated teller machines (ATMs), cash deposit machines and currency processing equipment to ensure they can recognize the new banknotes.
The Bank of Ghana expects the Heritage Series to begin entering circulation in early December, following the completion of system upgrades and public education efforts.
The central bank said the redesign forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen confidence in Ghana's currency, reduce counterfeiting and lower the long-term cost of replacing worn banknotes.