President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Bank of Ghana will gradually withdraw existing Cedi banknotes as the newly introduced Heritage Series enters circulation.
The President said the introduction of the upgraded currency would not lead to an immediate replacement of the existing notes, assuring Ghanaians that both versions would be used alongside each other during the transition.
He made this known on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when he officially launched the new banknotes at the Bank Square in Accra.
“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 said.
The announcement provides clarity on how the central bank intends to manage the changeover, with the existing currency remaining in circulation while the new series is introduced.
The Heritage Series comes with enhanced security features and improved durability. The notes are made from reinforced cotton paper, with a smaller design intended to make them easier to handle.
President Mahama said the upgraded notes were also designed to last longer than the previous series.
The launch was held under the theme, “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last,” as part of efforts to modernise Ghana’s currency and strengthen its resilience.
The Bank of Ghana had indicated that the existing core banknote designs had been in circulation for more than two decades, making upgrades necessary to meet modern security standards and improve currency management.
With the gradual withdrawal arrangement, the transition to the Heritage Series is expected to take place without an immediate removal of the old banknotes from circulation.
