Bank of Ghana (BoG) has unveiled a new commemorative banknote in five-cedi (GH¢5) denominations as part of activities to commemorate the bank’s 60th anniversary.
This banknote which will be in circulation on Tuesday , March 7, 2017 will be a legal tender as well as a collector’s item.
The note has new durable security features which can be easily identified by the public as well as introduce other internationally acceptable security features which are sensitive to touch to aid the blind and visually challenged in identifying the banknotes, according to the central bank.
Surprisingly, the portraits of the currency have legendary Ghanaian educationist, James Kwegyir Aggrey on the right side replacing the iconic Big Six on the old GH¢5.
Big Six is a group of six politicians including Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah being as the Founder of the Nation who fought to gain independence for the country in 1957.
Mr Kwegyir Aggrey is credited for being one of the advocates of education in the then Gold Coast.
He is renowned for his unparalleled contributions towards affirmative action in the country particularly women empowerment those days.
One of his widely quotes in support of female education is: “If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.”
Also, on the reverse of the new GH¢5 note has distinguishable pictures of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, an oil vessel named after him.
The Bank of Ghana was established on the 4th March 1957, just two days before the declaration of political independence. The country is also celebrating its 60th independence anniversary. Ghana is the first black African country to throw off the yoke of British imperialism on 6th March 1957.
The climax of the Bank of Ghana’s 60th anniversary celebrations will take place in August 2017 which will mark exactly 60 years when Bank of Ghana opened its doors to the public. The program for the celebrations will be announced in due course, according to the BoG.
The existing denominations of the Ghana Cedi in circulation are the following: Notes: GH¢50, GH¢20, GH¢10, GH¢5, GH¢2, and GH¢1. Coins: GH¢1, 50Gp, 20Gp, 10Gp, 5Gp, and 1Gp.
African Eye Report
