'Protect It, Value It, Take Pride in It': BoG Governor Urges Ghanaians to Safeguard the Cedi as Heritage Series Launches

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama has called on Ghanaians to protect, value and take pride in the cedi, describing the national currency as a symbol of the country's identity, aspirations and collective future. Speaking at Thursday's launch of the Heritage Series banknotes in Accra, he announced a nationwide education campaign across all 16 regions in major local languages to help the public identify genuine notes and handle the currency responsibly.

"Let us all protect it, let us value it, and let us take pride in it. Not just because it bears the name of Ghana but because it represents the aspirations of our people and the future that we are building together," Dr Asiama said .

The Governor said the cedi represents more than a medium of exchange, reflecting Ghana's national heritage and its determination to build a prosperous future. He described the new banknotes as a lasting expression of national pride, innovation and the country's resolve to build a resilient economy for generations to come .

"May the Heritage Series stand as a lasting expression of our national pride, our commitment to innovation, and our determination to build a resilient and prosperous Ghana for generations to come," he said .

Nationwide Campaign Across 16 Regions

As part of efforts to familiarise the public with the new banknotes, Dr Asiama announced that the Bank of Ghana would embark on a public education campaign across all 16 regions, using major local languages to reach a wider audience . The campaign will teach Ghanaians how to identify genuine Heritage Series notes, recognise their security features and handle the currency responsibly .

He said the initiative would help the public understand the changes introduced under the new series and distinguish genuine banknotes from counterfeits, while deepening appreciation of the national heritage reflected in the designs .

Dr Asiama stressed that the introduction of the Heritage Series went beyond redesigning the currency, describing it as an effort to reinforce the values and national identity the cedi represents. He urged Ghanaians to play an active role in safeguarding the currency, noting that responsible handling and knowledge of its security features were essential to maintaining public confidence .

A Call for Responsible Handling

The Governor's appeal comes amid concerns over how banknotes are treated in everyday life. The Bank of Ghana has repeatedly cautioned against practices such as crumpling, writing on, stapling, spraying and using money for decorative purposes including money bouquets. Such practices damage notes, shorten their lifespan and increase replacement costs .

The Bank has advised the public not to rush to exchange or withdraw existing currency solely because of the new series. Existing banknotes remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the Heritage Series, with banks gradually withdrawing old notes as the new ones take over .

Background: A Currency Under Pressure

The appeal to "protect, value and take pride in" the cedi carries added weight given the currency's recent history. The cedi has faced significant depreciation pressures over the past decade, eroding purchasing power and public confidence. Ghana's 2022 debt crisis and subsequent IMF programme brought the currency under intense scrutiny, with the exchange rate becoming a daily preoccupation for businesses and households alike.

Against that backdrop, the Heritage Series represents more than a cosmetic upgrade. By featuring national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols—the first time these cultural elements have appeared on Ghanaian currency—the Bank hopes to rebuild emotional attachment to the cedi and reinforce its credibility as a store of value .

The notes also carry practical improvements: enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting, improved durability to withstand Ghana's climate and frequent handling, and smaller, more portable sizes. The GH¢200 note, previously among the largest banknotes in the world, has been reduced in size to fit more easily into wallets .

A Legacy Project

The launch comes as the Bank of Ghana approaches its 70th anniversary on March 4, 2027. The Heritage Series, which enters circulation on December 1, 2026, is being positioned as a signature achievement of Dr Asiama's tenure and a statement of the central bank's modernisation agenda .

A Cedi App has been launched to help users learn the new notes' features and assist people with visual impairments, supplementing the nationwide campaign .

President John Dramani Mahama, who officially launched the series, said the designs would bring history into everyday life and help younger Ghanaians connect with the country's past. He linked the currency's stability to the government's New Economy Programme, a four-year, one-billion-dollar initiative aimed at transforming the economy through increased production .

For Dr Asiama, the message was simpler: the cedi belongs to Ghanaians, and its strength depends on how they treat it. "Let us all protect it, let us value it, and let us take pride in it," he said .