The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is urging the public, businesses and financial institutions to handle banknotes responsibly to preserve their quality and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
The appeal comes ahead of the planned introduction of upgraded Ghana cedi banknotes, known as the Heritage Series, on November 3, 2026.
The Head of Currency at the Bank of Ghana, Dominic Owusu, said on September 24, 2026, that the new notes are expected to be more durable than the existing ones. He, however, cautioned that their 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, taking proper care of banknotes would help the central bank maintain quality 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.
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama has also appealed to the public, traders, businesses and financial institutions to treat the cedi with care, stressing that preserving the quality of banknotes is a shared responsibility.
He urged the public to avoid crumpling, writing on or stapling banknotes, as well as using them for decorative purposes such as money bouquets, spraying and other practices that could damage the currency.
“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 intended to improve the security, durability and functionality of the cedi.
The upgraded notes will feature enhanced security measures and greater durability, while incorporating designs that reflect Ghana’s heritage, culture and national identity.
Owusu explained that the Heritage Series will continue to use the cotton-based material found in the existing notes, but with additional reinforcement to make them more durable.
The call for proper handling is not limited to the new series. The Bank of Ghana has previously encouraged the public to keep banknotes clean 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 current banknotes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the new series.
The central bank has therefore advised the public not to rush to exchange their existing money when the Heritage Series is introduced.
With both versions expected to circulate together, the Bank of Ghana is encouraging the public to focus on proper handling of all cedi notes, while allowing the transition to the new series to take place gradually.
