The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will maintain existing banknotes as legal tender alongside the newly redesigned Heritage Series when the new currency notes enter circulation on December 1, 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding disruptions to economic activities.
The arrangement means consumers, businesses and financial institutions will continue using the current banknotes even after the introduction of the new series, with no immediate requirement to exchange their existing cash.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, said the simultaneous circulation of both series would provide sufficient time for the public and businesses to familiarise themselves with the redesigned notes.
Speaking at the launch of the Heritage Series on Thursday, November 12, he stressed that the introduction of the new banknotes would not invalidate the existing currency.
“The Heritage Series will be introduced into circulation from December 1, 2026, and will circulate alongside the existing series, and the existing series will remain legal tender,” he said.
The transition is expected to minimise uncertainty among currency users and allow businesses, banks and other payment service providers to adjust their cash-handling operations without interrupting transactions.
For the wider economy, maintaining both series in circulation is also intended to preserve confidence in the cedi and prevent unnecessary disruptions to retail payments and commercial activities.
Dr Asiama said the central bank was committed to managing the changeover carefully to ensure continuity in the country’s payment systems.
“The Bank of Ghana remains committed to a well-managed transition that supports continuity in payments and reinforces confidence in the cedi,” he said.
The Heritage Series is scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, with the existing and redesigned banknotes expected to remain in use concurrently during the transition.
