The Head of Currency at the Bank of Ghana, Dominic Owusu, has said the new cedi notes will be more durable than the existing banknotes, but stressed that improved durability should not encourage careless handling.
Speaking on September 24, 2026, he said keeping banknotes clean and in good condition would help the Bank of Ghana maintain fit currency in circulation, while reducing the frequency and cost of replacing worn-out notes.
“Even though these banknotes are going to be more durable, I would always encourage Ghanaians to mind their handling,” he said.
“Once we keep the banknotes clean, it will also reduce the printing cost so that we are able to ensure that we have fair, clean banknotes in circulation,” he added.
Governor Asiama: Preserving the Cedi Is a Shared Responsibility
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, also appealed to the public, traders, businesses and financial institutions to treat the cedi with care, describing the preservation of banknotes as a shared responsibility.
He urged the public to desist from crumpling, writing on or stapling banknotes, as well as using them for decorative purposes such as money bouquets, spraying and other forms of currency abuse.
“Proper handling will help preserve the quality of our banknotes. It will reduce replacement cost for the central bank, and it will support efficient currency management,” Dr Asiama said.
About the Heritage Series
The Bank of Ghana says the Heritage Series is being introduced to strengthen the security, durability and functionality of the cedi.
The new banknotes will feature enhanced security measures and improved durability, while incorporating designs intended to reflect Ghana’s heritage, culture and national identity.
Owusu explained that the new notes would continue to use a cotton-based substrate, but with reinforcement intended to make them more durable than the existing notes.
Clean Note Policy and Co-Circulation
The Bank’s appeal for better handling is not limited to the new series. The central bank has previously encouraged the public to keep banknotes neat and avoid practices that damage them, as part of its Clean Note Policy.
Importantly, the introduction of the Heritage Series will not invalidate the existing cedi notes. The Bank of Ghana says the new and existing banknotes will co-circulate, with the current notes remaining legal tender.
The central bank has therefore advised the public not to rush to exchange their existing money when the new series is launched.
By Gifty Boateng