Bank of Ghana all set to introduce upgraded Ghana cedi notes next month

The Bank of Ghana will issue upgraded and security-enhanced banknotes into circulation to be effective from May 6, 2019.

According to a statement issued by the Bank of Ghana on April 8, the banknotes will have boosted security features in line with evolving changes in the technological landscape. The upgraded banknotes will also come with improved durability and machine readability.

The new enhanced security features are an optically variable magnetic image (SPARK LIVE), a new enhanced security thread (RAPID), a more prominent watermark and an enhanced iridescent band at the back of the banknote, Graphic Online noted.

According to the press release, 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 the 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 Bank of Ghana also disclosed that the following principal design elements will remain unchanged in the upgraded banknotes; the Big Six portrait, denominational colours, dimensions of the various denominations and other principal and background images.

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