President Mahama Launches New Ghana Cedi Heritage Series Banknotes

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series banknotes, describing the redesigned currency as a representation of Ghana’s history, national identity and vision for the future.

The launch ceremony was held at the Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, under the theme, “The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last.”

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama praised the Governor, Board of Management and staff of the Bank of Ghana for successfully introducing the new banknotes. He also recognised the support provided by international partners in making the project possible.

“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.

The President noted that the Cedi holds significant value in the daily lives of Ghanaians, serving not only as a means of payment but also as a symbol of the country’s collective identity.

“For the Ghanaian people, the cedi has a very practical meaning. It pays for the food and thus appears on the family table. It keeps our businesses running, and it helps parents boost their children through school,” he stated.

He explained that the Heritage Series was developed to strengthen the link between the country’s currency, its history and cultural identity.

The new notes come with improved security and durability features. President Mahama said they are produced from reinforced cotton paper, have a smaller design that makes them easier to handle and are expected to last longer than the previous banknotes.

“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.

On the introduction of the new currency, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the existing notes would remain in circulation during the transition period, with the two series expected to be used at the same time.

“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.

President Mahama further traced the origin of the name Cedi to the Akan word for cowry shells, which served as a form of currency among Ghana’s ancestors.

He said the new banknotes would help bring the country’s history and cultural heritage closer to the public, particularly the younger generation.