Mahama assures Ghanaians old cedi notes remain valid alongside new Heritage Series

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the existing cedi banknotes will remain in circulation alongside the newly launched Heritage Series until commercial banks gradually withdraw the older notes.

The clarification is intended to reassure traders, businesses and members of the public that transactions can continue using the existing currency as the new series enters circulation.

Speaking at the launch of the Heritage Series at the Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, he said the introduction of the redesigned currency would be a gradual process, with both series serving as legal tender during the transition.

“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.

President Mahama also reflected on the cedi's resilience through Ghana's economic challenges, noting that the currency had endured difficult periods and economic uncertainties that affected businesses and households.

He described the cedi as an enduring symbol of Ghana's economic sovereignty, despite the pressures it had faced over the years.

He said the launch of the Heritage Series provided an opportunity to recognise not only the currency's historical significance but also the patience, resilience and hard work of Ghanaians whose livelihoods depend on its strength.

According to him, the next priority was to strengthen the economic foundations of the cedi through his government's New Economy Programme.

He said the programme was central to the 2027 national budget, which the Finance Minister was scheduled to present to Parliament later that day.

The Heritage Series will be phased in gradually, allowing the existing and newly introduced banknotes to circulate concurrently until the transition is complete.