The Name of The Man on The New GH¢5 Note

Ghana’s currency has undergone several transformations over the years. Before the July 2007 redenomination, the amount now represented by GH¢5 was equivalent to 50,000 old cedis. Following the currency reform, the amount was converted into the current five-cedi denomination.

The original GH¢5 banknote featured portraits of the Big Six, the prominent figures who played important roles in Ghana’s struggle for independence. The redesigned note, however, carries the image of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey, a renowned Ghanaian educator, scholar and influential figure in the country’s educational development.

Dr. Aggrey was born on October 18, 1875, and died on July 30, 1927. His contributions to education and intellectual development earned him recognition as one of Ghana’s notable historical personalities.

In 1905, he married Rosebud Douglas, an African-American woman from Virginia in the United States, who was also known as Rose. Their marriage produced four children: Abna Azalea Aggrey, Kwegyir Aggrey, Rosebud Douglas Aggrey and Orison Rudolph Aggrey. Orison later pursued a diplomatic career and served as a United States ambassador to Senegal, The Gambia and Romania.

Aggrey began his formal education at Wesleyan High School in Cape Coast, an institution now known as Mfantsipim School. He demonstrated considerable academic ability from an early age, studying subjects such as Greek and Latin. His academic achievements eventually led to his appointment as headmaster of the school.

In 1898, he was selected to travel to the United States for missionary training. He subsequently enrolled at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he studied a broad range of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, logic, economics and politics.

Aggrey completed his studies in 1902, graduating with three degrees. His intellectual abilities also extended to languages, as he was proficient in French, German, Latin, Ancient Greek and Modern Greek.

The decision to feature his portrait on the GH¢5 banknote recognises his lasting contribution to education and national development. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate a historical figure whose academic achievements and commitment to learning helped shape Ghana’s educational heritage.