A member of the Bank of Ghana's Board, Beatrice Annan, has provided clarification on the portrait featured on the newly introduced GH¢50 note. The clarification comes after public discussion on social media about whether the portrait was of Theodosia Salome Okoh, who designed Ghana's national flag, or her younger sister, Dr Leticia Obeng, a scientist and Ghana's first lady PhD.
The Bank of Ghana introduced the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote, which features a portrait of Theodosia Salome Okoh. However, Dr Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Theodosia Okoh, sparked a public discussion on LinkedIn, claiming that the portrait was actually of his mother, Dr Leticia Obeng. Dr Obeng expressed surprise and amusement at the development, stating that he was proud to see his aunt honoured but was shocked to see a picture of his mother instead.
Beatrice Annan, in a Facebook post, explained that the banknote portrait is not an ordinary photograph but an engraved artistic rendering created to meet the strict technical requirements of banknote printing. The Bank of Ghana worked from three authentic photographs of Mrs Okoh, two from her younger years and one from later life, to create a single portrait presenting her as a mature woman while retaining a faithful family resemblance.
According to Beatrice Annan, the aim of the portrait was to produce a bold, clear and dignified image worthy of Theodosia Salome Okoh's place in Ghana's history. Her hairstyle was adjusted to align with the family's style and provide a clear outline suitable for engraving. The Bank of Ghana is engaging with Theodosia Okoh's family to explain the careful work that went into creating the portrait and resolve the issue.
The new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is part of a series of new banknotes introduced by the Bank of Ghana. The banknotes feature portraits of notable Ghanaians and are designed to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. The introduction of the new banknotes has generated significant public interest, with many Ghanaians eager to learn more about the people featured on the notes.
Dr Leticia Obeng, the sister of Theodosia Salome Okoh, was a renowned scientist and Ghana's first lady PhD. She made significant contributions to the field of science and was a respected figure in Ghanaian society. The confusion over the portrait on the GH¢50 note highlights the importance of verifying information and ensuring accuracy in public discourse.
The Bank of Ghana's clarification on the portrait on the GH¢50 note is expected to put an end to the public discussion and speculation. The bank's efforts to engage with Theodosia Okoh's family and provide a clear explanation of the portrait's creation demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana worked from three authentic photographs of Theodosia Salome Okoh to create the portrait on the new GH¢50 note.
- The portrait on the GH¢50 note was created to meet the strict technical requirements of banknote printing and to produce a bold, clear and dignified image.
- The Bank of Ghana is engaging with Theodosia Okoh's family to explain the careful work that went into creating the portrait and resolve the issue.
