The Bank of Ghana has issued a statement dismissing claims that the portrait of 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 portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh, the designer of Ghana's national flag. The Bank explained that the portrait underwent artistic adjustments during the engraving process to meet technical and security requirements of currency production.
The Bank of Ghana stated that the artistic adjustments included replacing Mrs Okoh's familiar head tie with a hairstyle commonly worn during the period. These changes contributed to the differences in her appearance and resulted in the portrait bearing a close resemblance to Dr Obeng, prompting public questions about the identity of the woman depicted. The central bank acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and expressed appreciation to the Okoh family for engaging with it on the matter.
The Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that distinguished personalities featured on the country's currency are represented with dignity. The clarification comes ahead of the introduction of the Heritage Series banknotes, which are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026. The central bank confirmed that the portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh and not from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.
The new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is part of a new series of banknotes being introduced by the Bank of Ghana. The Heritage Series banknotes are designed to showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage and history. The introduction of the new banknotes is expected to help promote national pride and identity.
The Bank of Ghana's clarification on the portrait of Theodosia Okoh on the new GH¢50 note aims to put to rest public concerns about the identity of the woman depicted. The central bank's statement is also seen as a way to promote transparency and accountability in the design and production of the country's currency.
Theodosia Salome Okoh was a renowned Ghanaian artist and designer who played a significant role in Ghana's cultural and national development. She designed Ghana's national flag and was a pioneer in Ghana's art industry. Her contribution to Ghana's national identity is being honoured with her portrait on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote.
The Bank of Ghana has assured the public that it will continue to ensure that the country's currency is produced with the highest level of quality and security features. The central bank's commitment to transparency and accountability is expected to promote public trust and confidence in the country's currency.
Key points
- The Bank of Ghana has dismissed claims that Theodosia Okoh's portrait on the new GH¢50 note was taken from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.
