Okyeame Kwame's Advocacy Honoured with New Cedi Notes Featuring Ghanaian Heroines

The Bank of Ghana has unveiled new cedi notes that feature three distinguished Ghanaian women, fulfilling Okyeame Kwame's long-held dream and advocacy for honouring Ghanaian heroes. The new notes feature Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a pioneering textile trader and market queen from Makola Market, Justice Annie Ruth Jiagge, Ghana's first female High Court judge, and Theodosia Okoh, the iconic designer of Ghana's national flag.

Okyeame Kwame, a renowned rapper, has consistently argued that a nation that does not honour her heroes will have no, or few, young heroes. He expressed his fulfilment with the advocacy, saying it is a significant step towards recognising the contributions of Ghanaian women. The musician has been on a trajectory to show gratitude to others through his music, releasing songs that promote appreciation and celebration of Ghanaian heroes.

The new cedi notes feature prominent men and women who have made significant contributions to Ghana's development. The GH¢1 Note features Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, who inspired generations of women entrepreneurs and built early confidence in formal banking. The GH¢10 Note features Justice Annie Ruth Jiagge, a global human rights campaigner who helped draft the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The GH¢50 Note features Theodosia Okoh, the iconic designer of Ghana's national flag. Okyeame Kwame's song, "Ayekoo (Big Up)," released on September 21, eulogises great men and women who have contributed to Ghana's national development. The song features a dancehall beat with lyrics and cadence that celebrate Ghanaian heroes and heroines from politics, sports, entertainment, and traditional leadership.

Okyeame Kwame's song, "Ayekoo (Big Up)," was produced by legendary producer Gomez Beats and features Jah Lead on the chorus. The song is a culturally relevant audio-visual piece that is expected to capture many hearts. The rapper's values are drawn from the ethos of his environment, and the song recognises five women who contributed to Ghana's fight during the struggle for independence and others who became formidable leaders post-independence.

The release of the new cedi notes and Okyeame Kwame's song, "Ayekoo (Big Up)," demonstrate a renewed focus on celebrating Ghanaian heroes and heroines. The musician's advocacy and music have contributed to a growing conversation about the importance of recognising and appreciating Ghanaian heroes. The combination of wordplay and metaphoric delivery in his song shows how seasoned the rapper is without having to say it.

Okyeame Kwame's recent song, "Clap," a family-friendly reggae song, promotes appreciation and celebration of others. The song's chorus, "learn to clap for others, Pa Pa Pa," encourages listeners to show gratitude and appreciation for others. The musician's music and advocacy have made a significant impact on Ghana's entertainment scene, promoting a culture of appreciation and celebration of Ghanaian heroes and heroines.

Key points

• The Bank of Ghana has unveiled new cedi notes featuring three distinguished Ghanaian women: Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, Justice Annie Ruth Jiagge, and Theodosia Okoh.