President Mahama Launches New Cedi Notes, Circulation to Begin on December 1

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series, announcing that the new banknotes will enter circulation on December 1, 2026, while the existing notes will continue to be used alongside them during a gradual transition.

He said the introduction of the redesigned banknotes was not intended to immediately replace the existing currency, explaining that both series would circulate side by side until the old notes were gradually withdrawn by banks.

President Mahama gave the assurance on Thursday, when he officially launched the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series at the Bank of Ghana in Accra.

The President said the new banknotes had been produced using reinforced cotton paper, a material intended to make them more durable and enable them to last longer than the notes they were replacing.

“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 currency notes they are replacing,” he said.

He also drew attention to the redesigned notes’ smaller size, explaining that they would be easier to handle in everyday transactions.

The new Heritage Series is scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, giving banks, businesses and the general public a clear date to begin using the redesigned notes.

President Mahama was, however, quick to clarify that the introduction of the new series did not mean that the existing notes would immediately cease to be used.

“The new notes are also smaller and easier to handle. And as the Governor said, the new notes will run side by side with the old currency notes. They are not displacing the old currency notes,” he stated.

He explained that the banks would gradually withdraw the existing notes as the new banknotes became established in circulation.

“The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely,” President Mahama added.

The arrangement means that Ghanaians can continue using their existing banknotes after December 1, while the new series gradually becomes part of everyday transactions.

The public will therefore not be required to exchange all existing notes immediately following the introduction of the Heritage Series.

Beyond the physical changes, the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series is intended to reflect the country’s history, culture and national identity through the images and symbols featured on the banknotes.

President Mahama said the currency carried more than monetary value, describing it as an expression of Ghana’s shared heritage and a symbol that connects citizens across different regions, cultures, faiths and political affiliations.

He traced the name of the Cedi to the Akan word for the cowry shell, recalling that cowries were used as a medium of exchange long before the establishment of modern financial institutions.

He also said the new notes would bring Ghana’s history closer to younger generations by featuring national figures, historic places and cultural symbols that could encourage learning and deepen children’s understanding of the country.

The President further commended the Bank of Ghana, its Governor, Board of Management and staff for bringing the initiative to fruition, while acknowledging the international partners whose expertise and support contributed to the project.

The launch also provided an opportunity for the President to reflect on the role of the central bank in safeguarding Ghana’s economic sovereignty as it approaches 70 years of service.

He called on Ghanaians to maintain confidence in the national currency, stressing that its strength should be reflected in the everyday lives of citizens, including traders, manufacturers and households.

“Let us carry the Cedi with pride and uphold the confidence on which it rests so that it continues to serve Ghana securely and well for generations to come,” he said.

The President formally declared the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series launched, expressing the hope that the currency would continue to serve the country and contribute to prosperity for all Ghanaians.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD