Mahama officially launches upgraded Cedi notes after more than two decades

President John Dramani Mahama has launched a new series of Ghana Cedi banknotes featuring enhanced security and durability specifications as part of efforts to modernise the country’s currency.

The Heritage Series was officially introduced at the Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, with the President describing the upgraded notes as designed to withstand prolonged circulation and improve the handling of cash.

Speaking at the launch, he disclosed that the new banknotes were produced using reinforced cotton paper and had been made smaller for easier handling.

“As the Governor said, the new series we introduce today is made of reinforced cotton paper, and is designed to last longer than the old heritage symbols we are replacing. The new notes are also smaller and easier to handle,” he said.

The upgraded notes also incorporate advanced security features intended to strengthen protection against counterfeiting.

The introduction of the new series follows more than two decades of circulation of the existing core banknote designs, which the Bank of Ghana says required periodic upgrades to meet modern security standards.

The launch was held under the theme, “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last.”

President Mahama said the currency’s development should reflect Ghana’s economic progress and the aspirations of its people.

He also assured the public that the introduction of the new banknotes would not immediately displace the existing series.

“As the Governor said, the new notes will run side by side with the old heritage notes. We are not displacing the old heritage notes. The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely,” he explained.

The President commended the Bank of Ghana’s leadership and staff for the initiative, acknowledging the support of international partners who contributed their expertise.

“Let me commend the Governor and the Board of Management and staff of the Bank of Ghana for bringing this initiative to fruition. I also acknowledge the international partners whose expertise and dedication have supported the bank in this endeavor,” he said.

He further encouraged the central bank to continue developing local expertise to support currency operations, pointing to the importance of building institutional capacity within the country.

The Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana’s ongoing currency modernisation efforts, with the new notes expected to improve security, durability and the efficiency of currency management.