Nkrumah, Kofi Annan, Cardinal Dery: Know the 8 Ghanaian icons featured on new cedi notes

The new banknotes, launched on Thursday, November 12, 2026, retain Dr Kwame Nkrumah as the only member of the Big Six featured in the previous series, with the other five absent from the redesigned currency.

The eight personalities and their respective denominations are:

She is recognised as the first woman from Makola to open a bank account with the then Standard Bank of West Africa, now Standard Chartered Bank.

A revered Catholic cleric from Zimuopare (Ko), near Nandom in the Upper West Region, who became prominent in the 1950s.

A renowned Ghanaian educationist whose contributions helped shape education in the country.

She was the first woman in Ghana and the Commonwealth to become a judge.

He composed the Twi version of Ghana’s national anthem, Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni.

She designed Ghana’s national flag.

The Ghanaian diplomat and former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ghana’s first President and a leading figure in the country’s independence struggle.

Dr Nkrumah’s appearance on the GH¢200 note marks a departure from the previous currency series, where his portrait featured on the ceremonial GH¢2 note alongside the other members of the Big Six.

The Big Six became prominent figures in Ghana’s independence struggle following their arrest by British colonial authorities in 1948 after disturbances in Accra.

Additionally, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Bank of Ghana’s Heritage Series banknotes.

Mahama described the new currency as an opportunity to bring Ghana’s history and national heritage closer to the younger generation.

Mahama disclosed that the historical figures, landmarks and cultural symbols featured on the new banknotes would encourage learning and deepen young people’s understanding of Ghana’s history.

He stated, “These notes will also help bring our history closer to our children. The national figures, the historic places, and the cultural symbols featured on the Heritage Series can prompt questions, encourage learning, and deepen understanding of the country that our children are growing in”.

“History belongs to our classrooms and museums, and it also deserves a place in our everyday lives. The Heritage Series helps bridge those settings, placing reminders of our national journey in the hands of the new generation,” he added.

Mahama added, “To our young people, I say that you too have a place in this story. Through your learning, enterprise, and service, you will shape what Ghana becomes”.

“The new notes will run side by side with the old currency notes. They are not displacing the old currency notes. The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce its upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series into circulation from December 1, 2026.

According to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, the new banknotes have been designed with enhanced security features, improved durability and more portable sizes to strengthen currency protection and improve convenience in everyday transactions.

He disclosed that the upgraded notes were intended to reinforce public confidence in the national currency while celebrating Ghana’s history and cultural identity.      

“The Heritage Series will be introduced into circulation from December 1, 2026, and will circulate alongside the existing series, which remains legal tender. This approach will allow the public and businesses to adjust smoothly to the Heritage banknotes without unnecessary disruption to economic activity. The Bank remains committed to a well-managed transition that supports continuity in payments and reinforces confidence in the cedi, he said.

Kojo Danquah has arrived at the NDC headquarters for vetting as an aspirant for the position of Deputy National Communications Officer. https://t.co/EDMjumxd8i

A heartwarming display of religious tolerance and unity as Muslims are seen praying at the entrance of a Pentecost Church in Daboya, Ghana, highlighting peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths. #GHnow https://t.co/0odmIjHoug