The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is expected to issue upgraded banknotes into circulation on May 6, 2019.
The upgraded banknotes will have enhanced security features in line with evolving changes in technological landscape, according to the BoG.
The bank additionally said in a statement that the upgraded banknotes also come with improved durability and machine readability.
PRESS RELEASE
BANK OF GHANA INTRODUCES UPGRADED BANKNOTES
The Bank of Ghana will issue upgraded banknotes into circulation on May 6, 2019. The
upgraded banknotes will have enhanced security features in line with evolving changes in the
technological landscape. The upgraded banknotes also come with improved durability and
machine readability.
The enhanced security features are:
Optically Variable Magnetic Image (SPARK LIVE): It is a shiny colour-changing
image of the cowrie shell on the GH₵10, star on the GH₵20 and cocoa pod on the
GH₵50. When the note is tilted, a shiny line across the cowrie shell, star, and cocoa
pod moves up and down. The colour of the feature also changes from gold to green
when tilted.
New Enhanced Security Thread (RAPID): It is a shiny broken line with movement
that runs through the banknote from top to bottom. It is continuous when viewed
against light. When the note is tilted, a star expands and contracts while the
denomination value stays still.
More Prominent Watermark: It is the image of Tetteh Quarshie with a cocoa pod
which has been made more noticeable in the plain star area of the banknote. It
becomes visible on both sides when viewed against light. The denomination value can
also be seen in the watermark area.
Enhanced Iridescent Band at the Back of the Banknote: It is a golden band with
gold bars at the back of the banknote that runs from top to bottom. It can be seen
more clearly when the note is tilted against light.
The following principal design elements remain unchanged in the upgraded banknotes:
The Big Six portrait
Denominational colours
Dimensions of the various denominations
Other principal and background images
The upgraded and the existing series of banknotes will co-circulate.
The Bank therefore entreats the public to KNOW THE CEDI AND KEEP IT CLEAN.
End
Issued by Bank of Ghana on April 8, 2019
Bank of Ghana not issuing new notes
The decision to issue upgraded banknotes comes days after the Bank of Ghana denied allegations that it will print new 30, 100 and 200 Ghana cedi denominations to commemorate its 60th anniversary.
BoG made this clarification in a statement signed by the Communications Director of the BoG, Bernard Otabil saying: “The attention of the Bank of Ghana has been drawn to stories circulating on social media to the effect that the Bank is issuing denominations of GH¢30, GH¢100 and GH¢200, and wishes to categorically state that the stories are false and should be disregarded.”
