BThe Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that effective May 6, 2019, it will introduce upgraded banknotes in the country.
BoG, in a release on April 8, 2019, said the upgraded banknotes would have enhanced security features in line with evolving changes in the technological landscape.
According to the release, the security features include optically variable magnetic image, enhanced security thread, prominent watermark and enhanced iridescent band at the back of the banknote.
However, the bank indicated that principal design elements on the banknotes, notably the ‘Big Six’ portrait, denominational colours, dimensions of the various denominations and other principal and background images will remain unchanged.
The Central Bank said the upgraded and existing banknotes would co-circulate, entreating the public to know the cedi and keep it clean.
Interestingly, the GH¢2 and new GH¢5 were not part of the specimen released by the Central Bank.
The GH¢2 with Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s portrait introduced in 2010 and the GH¢5 with the portrait of the legendary Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey released in 2017 were commemorative notes, according to the BoG.
They are likely not to be re-printed but will remain legal tender.