Mahama’s New Cedi Notes Feature 8 Famous Ghanaians – See Who Appears on Each Note

Ghana’s newly introduced Heritage Series banknotes are attracting attention not only because of their fresh designs but also because of the prominent Ghanaian personalities whose images have been selected to appear on them.

From the country’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan, the eight denominations celebrate people who made important contributions to Ghana’s political history, education, religion, music, women’s rights and national identity.

The new GH¢1 note features Madam Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a respected market woman and independence activist. She played an important role in mobilising women at Makola Market to support Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during the struggle for independence. Interestingly, her image is already familiar to Ghanaians because she currently appears on the 50 pesewas coin.

The GH¢2 note carries the image of Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, Ghana’s first Catholic cardinal. His inclusion recognises his contribution to the Catholic Church and religious life in the country.

On the GH¢5 note is Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, a respected educator, missionary and intellectual who believed education was essential to the progress of Africans. His work helped promote educational opportunities and reforms during the colonial period.

The GH¢10 note features Justice Annie Ruth Jiagge, Ghana’s first female judge. She was also an important voice in the international fight for women’s rights, making her inclusion a recognition of women’s contribution to national development.

The GH¢20 note carries Dr. Ephraim Kwaku Amu, the celebrated composer and educator best known for writing the patriotic song “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni”. The song remains one of Ghana’s most recognised expressions of national pride.

The GH¢50 note features Theodosia Salome Okoh, the artist who designed Ghana’s national flag in 1957. Her work gave the country one of its most recognised national symbols.

The GH¢100 note honours Kofi Annan, Ghana’s renowned diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. He also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

Finally, the GH¢200 note features Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a central figure in the country’s independence struggle.

The selection brings together men and women from different backgrounds, showing that Ghana’s history was shaped by more than political leaders alone.