President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes, featuring eight distinguished personalities whose contributions have shaped the country’s political, social, cultural and economic development.
The new notes, which will enter circulation on December 1, 2026, place Ghana’s founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, on the GH¢200 denomination, while recognising renowned figures including diplomat Kofi Annan, pioneering jurist Justice Annie Jiagge, educationist Dr J.E.K. Aggrey and Ghana’s flag designer, Theodosia Okoh.
In a significant departure from conventional currency designs, the new GH¢1 note pays tribute to Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, an Accra-based market woman whose contribution to commerce and Ghana’s independence struggle has earned her a place among the country’s celebrated historical figures. Her inclusion, alongside the depiction of market women trading on the reverse of the note, brings recognition to the often-underappreciated role of women in the informal economy and their invaluable contribution to national development. The eight denominations collectively celebrate Ghanaian identity, enterprise, education, justice, religious freedom, peace, nationalism and sovereignty.
The Faces, Landmarks and Symbols Behind Ghana’s New Heritage Cedi Notes
The new Ghana cedi notes feature eight national personalities on their fronts, with each denomination reflecting a distinct theme through portraits, historical landmarks and traditional Adinkra symbols.
President Mahama unveiled the Heritage Series at the Bank of Ghana’s Bank Square headquarters in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The new notes will enter circulation on December 1, 2026, while the existing banknotes will remain legal tender.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the redesigned notes combine portraits of national heroes and distinguished personalities with significant historical sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols that represent important aspects of Ghana’s heritage.
Each denomination has a designated theme, a personality on the front and a landmark or representation of national significance on the reverse. The designs also incorporate Adinkra symbols reflecting the values associated with each personality and theme.
The fronts carry the Bank of Ghana’s name, the denomination in words, the national coat of arms, the Black Star and a column of Adinkra symbols beside the featured personality. The reverse sides include QR codes and kente-patterned borders.
GH¢1: Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome – Commerce
The grey GH¢1 note honours Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome (1913–1997), an Accra market woman and trader remembered for supporting Kwame Nkrumah’s independence campaign.
Her recognition represents an important acknowledgement of the contribution of women in commerce and the informal economy to Ghana’s development.
The reverse of the note depicts market women selling foodstuffs, symbolising the role of traders in sustaining livelihoods and keeping the national economy moving.
The Adinkra symbol featured is **Bese Saka**, representing a sack of cola nuts and symbolising abundance, prosperity and trade.
GH¢2: Cardinal Peter Dery – Religious Freedom
The orange-and-gold GH¢2 note features Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery (1918–2008), the distinguished Catholic Archbishop of Tamale who was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2006.
The reverse depicts the historic Larabanga Mosque in the Savannah Region, one of West Africa’s oldest mosques, constructed using traditional mud-and-timber architecture.
The pairing of a prominent Catholic leader with an Islamic heritage site underscores the denomination’s theme of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
Its Adinkra symbol, **Nyame Dua**, meaning the tree of God, represents God’s presence and protection.
GH¢5: Dr J.E.K. Aggrey – Education
The blue GH¢5 note celebrates Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey (1875–1927), a renowned educationist remembered for his influential piano-keys analogy, which emphasised the importance of racial harmony and cooperation.
The reverse features the iconic clock-tower building of Achimota School in Accra, an institution Aggrey helped establish.
The note carries the Adinkra symbol **Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu**, which translates as “one who does not know can know by learning”, reinforcing the importance of education and lifelong learning.
GH¢10: Justice Annie Jiagge – Justice and Equality
The green GH¢10 note honours Justice Annie Jiagge (1918–1996), a pioneering Ghanaian jurist and women’s rights advocate whose work contributed significantly to the advancement of gender equality.
She played an important role in the development of the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
The reverse features Ghana’s Supreme Court building, alongside the Martyrs of the Rule of Law monument.
Its Adinkra symbol, **Epa**, represented by handcuffs, symbolises law, justice and accountability.
GH¢20: Dr Ephraim Amu – Arts and Entertainment
The purple GH¢20 note features Dr Ephraim Amu (1899–1995), one of Ghana’s celebrated composers and a pioneering figure in Ghanaian choral music.
He is particularly remembered for composing the patriotic song *Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni*, which remains an important expression of national identity and patriotism.
The reverse depicts the National Theatre in Accra, recognised for its distinctive architectural design and cultural significance.
The accompanying Adinkra symbol, **Dono**, representing the talking drum, symbolises praise, goodwill and rhythm.
GH¢50: Theodosia Okoh – Nationalism
The red-orange GH¢50 note celebrates Theodosia Okoh (1922–2015), the celebrated Ghanaian artist who designed the country’s national flag, featuring the red, gold and green colours and the Black Star.
The reverse features Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s presidency, whose architectural design echoes the traditional Ghanaian stool.
The Adinkra symbol **Fawohodie**, meaning independence and freedom, reinforces the denomination’s theme of nationalism.
GH¢100: Kofi Annan – Peace
The turquoise GH¢100 note honours Kofi Annan (1938–2018), Ghana’s distinguished diplomat and the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Annan, who received the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize, is internationally recognised for his contribution to global diplomacy, peacebuilding and multilateral cooperation.
The reverse features the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, an institution that trains military personnel, police officers and civilians for peace support operations.
Its Adinkra symbol, **Bi Nka Bi**, meaning “no one should bite another”, represents peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
GH¢200: Dr Kwame Nkrumah – Sovereignty
The pink-and-red GH¢200 note features Dr Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972), Ghana’s first President and the leading figure in the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
His inclusion on the highest denomination reflects his historic contribution to Ghana’s sovereignty, Pan-Africanism and the country’s political identity.
The reverse depicts the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, which houses his mausoleum and statue.
The note carries **Adinkrahene**, regarded as the chief of Adinkra symbols, representing greatness, leadership and authority.
New notes to circulate from December 1
The introduction of the Heritage Series marks a significant redesign of Ghana’s currency, with the Bank of Ghana using the new denominations to highlight personalities, institutions and symbols associated with the country’s historical and cultural identity.
The new notes will circulate alongside the existing series from December 1, 2026, with both remaining legal tender.
The Bank of Ghana has also urged the public to handle the new banknotes responsibly by avoiding practices such as spraying, crumpling and stapling them or using them to create money bouquets.
The public is encouraged to preserve the quality and integrity of the notes as the new Heritage Series enters circulation.
By: Christian Kpesese
