The Bank of Ghana will unveil its new Heritage Series cedi banknotes on Thursday, November 12, 2026. But Ghanaians should not expect to find the new notes at the bank or the ATM that day. Sources familiar with the rollout told JoyBusiness that the notes could go into circulation about two weeks after the launch, with a phased release through commercial banks possibly starting in the first week of December.

Key facts

  • The unveiling is set for 10am at the Bank Square in Accra. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lead it.
  • The upgrade covers the GH¢1 to GH¢200 notes. Coins are not part of it, and the Bank has ruled out any note above GH¢200.
  • It is not a redenomination. The value of the cedi does not change.
  • Existing notes remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the new ones. "There is no need for the public to rush to exchange or withdraw existing notes solely because of the introduction of the Heritage Series," the Bank has said.
  • The theme is "The Cedi, Our Future: Secure, Designed to Last." The Bank says the notes have stronger security features against counterfeiting, last longer, and carry designs honouring national heroes and Ghanaian culture.

Why the wait

According to JoyBusiness, the gap between the launch and circulation is meant to give the public time to learn the new features. It also gives commercial banks time to calibrate their cash-handling machines and ATMs. The central bank reportedly wants to avoid a repeat of the GH¢200 note's introduction, when some ATMs could not accept the new denomination.

The Bank of Ghana's Director of Currency Management, Dominic Owusu, had earlier told disability groups that November 12 is the unveiling, not the issuance date. He said the notes keep different sizes for each denomination, which helps visually impaired users, and that the tactile marks have been strengthened. The Bank is also exploring a mobile app that would scan a note and announce its value, Graphic Online reported.

Background

Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama announced the upgrade on September 24. He said the current designs had been in circulation for more than two decades. The unveiling was first planned for November 3 and then moved to November 12. 3News reported that no reason was given for the change.

What's next

The launch falls on the same day Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presents the 2027 Budget to Parliament. JoyBusiness reports that the Bank kept the date because international guests, including representatives of the banknote printer, had already booked their travel. Organisers hope to finish in time for the budget reading. The Bank is expected to set out the details of how the notes will be introduced.