Heritage banknotes: ‘There has and would always be a founder of Ghana’ – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has weighed in on Ghana’s founding history debate, insisting that the country has a founder as he reacted to the newly unveiled Heritage Series cedi notes.

In a Facebook post following the unveiling of the 70th Anniversary commemorative banknotes, Dr Apaak commended the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for what he described as its efforts to capture the country’s true socio-economic and political history.

“The BoG must be highly commended for capturing the true socio-economic and political history of Ghana in the 70th Anniversary commemorative cedi notes outdoored. There has and would always be a founder of Ghana. Those still in denial are free to believe what they want. God bless our homeland Ghana,” he stated.

His remarks come amid continuing public discussions about Ghana’s founding history and the recognition of individuals who played significant roles in the country’s independence struggle.

The newly introduced Heritage Series features distinctive designs highlighting Ghana’s history and cultural identity through national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols.

The notes also carry images of notable Ghanaians who have contributed to nation-building, alongside significant historical landmarks.

President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the new banknotes at the Bank of Ghana’s headquarters in Accra, with assistance from the central bank’s Governor, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama.

The redesigned notes come with enhanced security features, improved durability and more portable sizes. Made from reinforced cotton paper, they are designed to last longer and offer greater convenience in everyday transactions.

The new notes are expected to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, alongside the existing banknotes.

The introduction will also be accompanied by a new Currency Act to replace the outdated Act 242 of 1964, with the aim of strengthening measures against counterfeiting.

Speaking at the unveiling, President Mahama said the strength of the cedi must be felt in the everyday lives of Ghanaians, linking its future stability to increased domestic production, export growth and disciplined public financial management.

The Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Asiama, reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the currency and disclosed plans for a Cedi App to help the public, including visually impaired persons, understand and identify the new banknotes.