New Ghana Cedi Banknotes Enter Circulation December 1: What Happens to Your Old Cash?

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has launched new Ghana Cedis with enhanced security features, more longevity and easier handling. The redesigned banknotes were launched in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026 and will circulate publicly from Tuesday, December 1, 2026. It is the first major redesign of Ghana's currency since 2004.

Speaking during the high profile launch, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama said the redesign of the Ghana Cedi was part of the country's move to modernise its financial landscape. "Currency is extremely important to any country. Not only do you have your currency but it shows your ability to handle your money. It creates stability in the economy." President John Dramani Mahama also attended the event and said the Cedi was a unifying force for Ghanaians.

The Ghana Heritage Series banknotes have been redesigned to cover all eight denominations of the Bank of Ghana. These include GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100 and GH¢200. The redesign of the currency does not impact the metal coins and only affects the banknotes. New denominations have not been added and the value of the Cedi remains unchanged.

The currency has a range of new high tech security features to help combat sophisticated counterfeiters. The new notes have improved tactile features, colour changing inks and high quality security threads. This means that the public and automated banking machines can easily identify if the banknotes are genuine. The banknotes will be more durable so businesses can feel confident they are protected and customers will have confidence.

The new Ghana Heritage Series addresses common customer complaints about the size and damage to previous banknotes. Dominic Owusu, Director of Currency Management said the new banknotes have been designed to be much smaller and easier to carry. They will now easily fit into customers' wallets, ATMs and cash registers.

To reduce the high cost of printing new currency, the banknotes have been printed with a highly durable material. In Ghana we often have hot weather and frequently handle cash so previous banknotes would quickly become damaged. In the past this has caused the government to spend millions of dollars printing new notes. The new banknotes will not be affected by water, ripping or dirt.

The new notes celebrate Ghana's culture. For the first time ever Adinkra prints have been added to the notes. The notes have a range of traditional Ghanaian symbols along with some of our most celebrated heroes, places and buildings.

The largest denomination note, GH¢200 still has the image of Ghana's first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the front of the note. The back of the note shows the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra. This includes beautiful Adinkra prints. The lower denominations have also been decorated to celebrate various aspects of our culture.

The Bank of Ghana have assured the public that the current banknotes will still be valid and will circulate alongside the new Ghana Heritage Series. "There is no need to worry...the current banknotes will still be legal tender. You do not need to run down to your bank," said Governor Asiama.

The banknote executives have used the opportunity to also raise awareness with people about bad practices when handling cash. Governor Asiama warned Ghanaians not to fold, write on or staple the new banknotes. He also asked to those who organised the event not to spray the money at parties or make money flowers.

"Preserving the cleanliness and structural integrity of our banknotes directly reduces the heavy taxpayer burden of printing replacements." If people follow the guidelines then we will get the most out of the new durable material, said the Governor. The new banknotes will be going into circulation soon and businesses have already started adjusting their sorting machines.

The Bank of Ghana have said they will be launching a sensitisation campaign in all 16 regions of the country. Teams will go round educating market women, drivers and those in rural areas about how to spot the new security features. This will help to avoid scammers taking advantage of the changeover.

Overall the new Ghana Heritage Series has been welcomed by economists. With more people using digital payments, many people still use cash. The new currency will ensure businesses that use cash feel as safe and easy to use as those using digital payments.

As the new notes go into circulation on December 1, the Bank of Ghana are confident they will create a sense of national pride. The notes have been designed with high tech security features, easy to carry and include beautiful images of our culture.