The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has called on Ghanaians, businesses, and financial institutions to handle banknotes properly to preserve their quality and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
The call comes as the central bank prepares to introduce its upgraded Ghana cedi banknotes, known as the Heritage Series, on November 3, 2026.
The Head of Currency at the Bank of Ghana, Dominic Owusu, on Eyewitness News on September 24, 2026, said the new notes would be more durable than the existing banknotes, but stressed that improved durability should not encourage careless handling.
“Even though these banknotes are going to be more durable, I would always encourage Ghanaians to mind their handling,” he said.
According to him, 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.
“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 said.
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.
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 said the new notes would continue to use a cotton-based substrate, but with reinforcement intended to make them more durable than the existing notes.
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.
The introduction of the Heritage Series will also 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.
The Heritage Series will be officially launched on November 3, 2026.