Bank of Ghana Urges Careful Handling of New Heritage Series Cedi Banknotes

• The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced its plans to launch its new Heritage Series banknotes on November 3, 2026
• BoG's Head of Currency Dominic Owusu said the upgraded notes would be more durable but warned against careless handling
• Governor Dr Johnson Asiama urged the public to stop spraying, crumpling, and writing on banknotes to cut replacement costs

The Bank of Ghana has urged Ghanaians, businesses, and financial institutions to treat banknotes with greater care, warning that even the more durable Heritage Series notes set to launch on November 3, 2026, will not withstand poor handling habits.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on September 24, 2026, the Bank's Head of Currency, Dominic Owusu, acknowledged that the upgraded cedi notes would outlast existing ones, but cautioned that this should not give the public licence to handle them carelessly.

"Even though these banknotes are going to be more durable, I would always encourage Ghanaians to mind their handling," Owusu said.

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He added that keeping notes clean would directly benefit the wider economy by reducing the frequency with which the central bank needs to print replacements.

"Once we keep the banknotes clean, it will also reduce the printing cost so that we can ensure that we have fair, clean banknotes in circulation," he said.

BoG Governor Calls Banknote Care a Shared Responsibility

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama took the appeal further, describing responsible currency handling as a collective duty for all Ghanaians.

He specifically called out practices such as crumpling, writing on, or stapling banknotes, as well as using them in money bouquets, spraying at events, and other forms of currency abuse.

"Proper handling will help preserve the quality of our banknotes. It will reduce replacement costs for the central bank, and it will support efficient currency management," Dr Asiama said.

What the heritage series will look like

The new Heritage Series banknotes will retain a cotton-based substrate, though with added reinforcement to improve longevity.

The redesigned notes will also carry enhanced security features and incorporate imagery intended to celebrate Ghana's culture, heritage, and national identity.

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Owusu confirmed that the Heritage Series forms part of the Bank of Ghana's broader drive to strengthen the security, durability, and functionality of the cedi.

Importantly, the launch will not render existing cedi notes obsolete.

The Bank of Ghana confirmed that the current and new banknotes will circulate side by side, with both remaining legal tender. The central bank has therefore advised the public not to rush to swap their existing notes when the new series goes live.

This latest appeal also sits within the Bank of Ghana's longstanding Clean Note Policy, through which the central bank has consistently encouraged the public to keep banknotes in good condition over the years.

Source: YEN.com.gh