The new Ghana cedi banknotes come with several security features designed to help the public identify genuine currency and protect themselves against counterfeit notes.

The features include moving security stripes, watermarks, colour-changing numerals, raised prints and embedded security threads. They can be checked by tilting the notes, holding them against the light or feeling their surfaces.

Each feature serves a different purpose, with some appearing on specific denominations and others used across the banknote series.

Here is a breakdown of seven security features on the new Ghana cedi notes and how they work.

1. 3D moving security stripe – GH¢100 and GH¢200

The 3D moving security stripe is one of the features used on the higher-denomination notes, particularly the GH¢100 and GH¢200.

When the notes are tilted, the stripe produces a moving visual effect. It displays a pulsing Gye Nyame symbol and changes colour from green to azure, while the denomination numeral remains stationary.

The feature may also display a three-dimensional image of a cocoa pod, with moving leaves and symbols. It is designed to make the notes more difficult to counterfeit.

2. Watermark – All denominations

The watermark is a security feature found across all banknote denominations.

When a note is held against the light, an image of cocoa pods on a stem and the denomination numeral become visible.

The watermark is incorporated into the banknote during production and helps users distinguish genuine currency from counterfeit notes.

3. Colour-changing denomination – GH¢10, GH¢20 and GH¢50

The colour-changing denomination feature is used on the GH¢10, GH¢20 and GH¢50 notes.

When the banknotes are tilted, the denomination numeral changes colour from gold to green, creating a visible colour-shifting effect.

This allows users to check the authenticity of the notes by simply changing the angle at which they view them.

4. Tactile raised print – Across the denominations

The new banknotes also have raised prints that can be identified by touch.

These include the Governor’s signature and special tactile marks designed to help visually impaired persons identify the denominations.

The feature makes it easier for people with visual impairments to distinguish the notes without relying entirely on sight.

5. See-through feature – Across the denominations

The see-through feature consists of patterns printed on both the front and reverse sides of the banknotes.

When a note is held against the light, the patterns on both sides align to reveal the denomination numeral.

This provides another way for users to check whether the money they receive is genuine.

6. Embedded security thread – Across the denominations

An embedded security thread runs continuously from the top to the bottom of the banknote.

It appears as a dark line when the note is held against the light.

The thread is incorporated into the banknote and serves as an additional security measure to make counterfeiting more difficult.

7. Gold stripe – Banknotes featuring the stripe

The gold stripe is a shiny security feature that becomes visible when a banknote is tilted.

Government targets GH¢310.8 billion revenue without introducing new taxes

It displays a band of gold bars that reflect light as the viewing angle changes.

The feature provides another visual method for checking the authenticity of a banknote.

Why the security features matter

The security features are designed to make it easier for Ghanaians to identify genuine banknotes and protect themselves against counterfeit currency.

While some can be checked by tilting the note, others require holding it against the light or feeling its surface.

Understanding these features will help traders, business owners, consumers and other members of the public identify genuine Ghana cedi notes before accepting them.

ANAS/MA

THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE GHANA HERITAGE SERIES BANKNOTES