The Ghana Cedi Heritage Series features eight national figures, landmarks and Adinkra symbols, and enters circulation Dec. 1
Ghana has launched redesigned cedi banknotes featuring eight national figures, historic landmarks and traditional Adinkra symbols, with the new currency set to enter circulation on Dec. 1.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series on Thursday at the Bank of Ghana headquarters in Accra. The redesign retains all eight existing denominations, from GH¢1 to GH¢200, but introduces smaller notes, updated designs and enhanced security features.
Eight figures from Ghanaian public life
The portraits recognize contributions across different areas of Ghanaian public life. They include market trader Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, religious leader Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, educator James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, Ghana’s first female judge Annie Ruth Jiagge, composer Ephraim Amu, national flag designer Theodosia Okoh, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
Landmarks, Adinkra symbols and new security features
The notes also incorporate landmarks and Adinkra symbols associated with Ghana’s history and cultural identity. The Bank of Ghana says the new designs are printed on reinforced cotton paper to improve durability, while additional security features are intended to make counterfeiting more difficult and help the public identify genuine notes.
Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama said the smaller format would make the notes easier to carry and handle. The central bank will also conduct a nationwide public education campaign and introduce a mobile application to help people familiarize themselves with the new banknotes’ security features.
Existing notes remain legal tender
The Heritage Series will circulate alongside the existing cedi notes, which will remain legal tender. The Bank of Ghana has therefore advised the public that there is no need to exchange or withdraw current notes ahead of the December rollout.
