The Bank of Ghana has dismissed concerns that the portrait of the late Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote was taken from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng. According to the central bank, the image was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag. The bank stated that the changes made during the engraving process, including replacing Mrs Okoh’s familiar head tie with a hairstyle common during the period, had contributed to the differences in her appearance.
The alterations made to the portrait resulted in it bearing a close resemblance to Dr Obeng, giving rise to public concerns over the identity of the woman depicted. The Bank of Ghana acknowledged that the changes had caused confusion but confirmed that the portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh and not from a photograph of her sister. The bank appreciated the constructive engagement of the Okoh family and the public interest in preserving Ghana’s national heritage.
The Bank of Ghana maintained that the portrait was intended to recognise Mrs Okoh’s contribution to Ghana’s national identity. The central bank pledged to ensure that distinguished personalities featured on the country’s currency were represented with dignity and respect. The clarification comes ahead of the introduction of the Heritage Series banknotes, which the Bank says will enter circulation on December 1, 2026.
The Heritage Series banknotes are part of the Bank of Ghana’s efforts to preserve Ghana’s national heritage and promote national pride. The new banknotes feature portraits of notable Ghanaians, including Mrs Okoh, who designed the country’s national flag. The Bank of Ghana worked with three authentic photos of Theodosia Okoh to develop the portrait for the GH¢50 note.
A Board member of the Bank of Ghana clarified that the bank worked with three authentic photos of Theodosia Okoh to develop the portrait for the GH¢50 note. The bank took steps to ensure that the portrait was accurate and respectful. The Bank of Ghana also launched a Cedi App to help the public identify the new banknotes.
The Bank of Ghana is taking steps to promote the use of the new banknotes and to educate the public about their features. The central bank will establish new Cash Centres in Ho and Tamale to facilitate the distribution of the new banknotes. The Bank of Ghana Governor announced that the Heritage Series Banknotes will be in circulation from December 1, 2026.
The introduction of the Heritage Series banknotes is part of the Bank of Ghana’s efforts to promote financial inclusion and stability. The central bank is also working to tackle cedi counterfeiting and abuse. The Bank of Ghana is preparing a new Currency Act to address these issues and to ensure the integrity of the national currency.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that the portrait on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is of Theodosia Okoh, not her sister Dr Letitia Obeng.
