President John Mahama launches Heritage Series cedi banknotes

President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the Bank of Ghana’s Heritage Series cedi banknotes on November 12, 2026, marking a significant update to the nation's currency. The new series, which celebrates eight prominent historical figures and Ghana’s cultural identity, was unveiled alongside Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama at a ceremony in Accra. These new banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, and will serve as legal tender alongside existing notes during a transitional period. The President emphasized that the new designs are intended to act as educators for future generations while modernizing the country's currency management.

Designed for enhanced security and durability, the Heritage Series notes are manufactured from reinforced cotton paper and feature advanced protection against counterfeiting. The banknotes also have smaller dimensions for easier handling and incorporate Adinkra symbols to reflect national sovereignty. During the launch event, President Mahama linked the currency initiative to his administration’s $10 billion New Economy Programme. He described the programme as a strategic effort to strengthen the cedi by fostering local production and boosting exports, ultimately aiming to create a more resilient national economy.

Shortly after the unveiling, the accuracy of the portrait on the GH₵50 note came under scrutiny. Dr. Eddie Obeng, a family member of national flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh, raised concerns that the image used on the note actually depicts his mother, Dr. Letitia Obeng, rather than the intended national icon. The perceived error prompted criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who questioned the central bank's diligence in handling national symbols. The controversy sparked widespread public debate regarding the authenticity of the representation of one of Ghana's most prominent historical figures.

In response to the criticism, Bank of Ghana Board Member Beatrice Feehi Annangfio clarified that the portrait is an engraved artistic representation developed from three authentic photographs of Mrs. Okoh. She explained that the design process required specific technical adjustments to meet banknote security and engraving standards while striving to maintain the subject's likeness. Annangfio confirmed that the central bank is actively engaging with the Okoh family to address the concerns raised, even as the Bank of Ghana prepares for the nationwide rollout of the new series next month.