GH¢1 to GH¢200: Here Are the 8 Personalities Featured on Ghana’s New Cedi Notes and Their Stories

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has introduced a redesigned series of Ghanaian banknotes known as the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series, featuring eight distinguished personalities whose contributions have played significant roles in shaping the country’s history, culture and development.

Launched on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the new banknotes celebrate Ghana’s national heritage through themes such as commerce, religious freedom, education, justice, the arts, nationalism, peace and sovereignty.

Each denomination features a prominent Ghanaian personality whose achievements reflect a particular aspect of the country’s development.

The reverse side of the notes also showcases important landmarks and institutions associated with Ghana’s history and identity.

Below is a breakdown of the eight denominations, the personalities featured and the significance of their inclusion.

GH¢1 – Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome (Commerce)

The GH¢1 banknote features Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a trailblazing textile trader whose achievements in business helped inspire generations of Ghanaian women to pursue entrepreneurship.

She is celebrated for her contribution to the commercial sector and her confidence in formal banking at a time when many traders depended largely on traditional savings practices.

The reverse side of the note features Makola Market, one of Ghana’s most recognised commercial centres, highlighting the important role market women play in the country’s economy.

GH¢2 – Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery (Religious Freedom)

Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery is featured on the GH¢2 note in recognition of his contributions to religious leadership, education and community development.

The respected Catholic cleric and educator is remembered for promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

The reverse side of the denomination features the historic Larabanga Mosque, one of Ghana’s oldest Islamic places of worship, symbolising the country’s religious diversity.

GH¢5 – James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey (Education)

The GH¢5 note honours James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, a distinguished Ghanaian educationist who championed access to education, particularly for women.

His belief in education as a fundamental tool for individual advancement and national development influenced educational thinking across Africa.

The reverse side features Achimota School, an institution he helped establish, underscoring the importance of education in building a prosperous nation.

GH¢10 – Annie Jiagge (Justice and Equality)

The GH¢10 denomination celebrates Annie Jiagge, Ghana’s first female judge and a renowned advocate for human rights and gender equality.

Her remarkable career in the judiciary broke significant barriers for women in the legal profession, while her advocacy contributed to the promotion of fairness, justice and equal rights.

The Supreme Court of Ghana appears on the reverse side of the note, representing the rule of law, judicial independence and equality before the law.

GH¢20 – Dr Ephraim Amu (Arts and Entertainment)

The GH¢20 note features Dr Ephraim Amu, an influential Ghanaian composer, musicologist and educator whose work contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.

He played a key role in advancing Ghanaian music and strengthening national identity through his compositions, including the patriotic song Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni.

The reverse side showcases the National Theatre, reflecting the country’s creative arts, cultural expression and entertainment industry.

GH¢50 – Theodosia Salome Okoh (Nationalism)

The GH¢50 banknote honours Theodosia Salome Okoh, the celebrated designer of Ghana’s national flag.

Beyond her contribution to the country’s national identity, she also played a role in sports development, particularly hockey.

Her inclusion represents patriotism, national unity and the spirit of independence.

The reverse side features Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s Presidency and an important symbol of the country’s democratic governance.

The GH¢100 denomination features Kofi Annan, Ghana’s former diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations and received the Nobel Peace Prize.

He is widely recognised for his contributions to international diplomacy, conflict resolution and efforts to promote global peace and security.

The reverse side of the note features the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, highlighting Ghana’s role in supporting international peacekeeping and security initiatives.

The GH¢200 note pays tribute to Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, who led the country to independence from British colonial rule in 1957.

His leadership in the independence movement, contributions to nation-building and advocacy for African unity remain central to Ghana’s political history.

The reverse side features the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a national monument dedicated to preserving his legacy and commemorating Ghana’s struggle for independence.

What makes the new Ghana Cedi banknotes different?

In addition to their redesigned appearance and the introduction of prominent national figures, the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series incorporates enhanced security features intended to make counterfeiting more difficult.

The new banknotes include colour-changing denomination numbers, security threads, cocoa pod watermarks and raised printing.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Cardinal-Dery-Kofi-Annan-Kwame-Nkrumah-Meet-the-personalities-on-Ghana-s-new-cedi-notes-2061066

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