President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Bank of Ghana’s Heritage Series banknotes, describing the new currency as an opportunity to bring Ghana’s history and national heritage closer to the younger generation.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, November 12, 2026, President Mahama said the historical figures, landmarks and cultural symbols featured on the new banknotes would encourage learning and deepen young people’s understanding of the country’s history.
“These notes will also help bring our history closer to our children. The national figures, the historic places, and the cultural symbols featured on the Heritage Series can prompt questions, encourage learning, and deepen understanding of the country that our children are growing in,” he said.
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“History belongs to our classrooms and museums, and it also deserves a place in our everyday lives. The Heritage Series helps bridge those settings, placing reminders of our national journey in the hands of the new generation,” he added.
President Mahama also paid tribute to the national figures whose contributions are recognised on the banknotes, saying their sacrifices and service had helped shape the country.
He urged young Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the achievements of those who came before them and contribute to the country’s future through education, enterprise and public service.
“To our young people, I say that you too have a place in this story. Through your learning, enterprise, and service, you will shape what Ghana becomes,” he said.
On the physical features of the new currency, the President said the Heritage Series banknotes were made from reinforced cotton paper and designed to last longer than the existing notes.
He added that the new notes were also smaller and easier to handle.
President Mahama said the Heritage Series would circulate alongside the existing banknotes, which would be withdrawn gradually by banks until the new currency completely replaced them.
“The new notes will run side by side with the old currency notes. They are not displacing the old currency notes. The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely,” he said.
The Bank of Ghana has announced that the Heritage Series will enter circulation on December 1, 2026, with the existing banknotes retaining their legal tender status during the transition.