Confusion Over Mahama’s New Cedi Notes as Theodosia Okoh’s Family Claims Wrong Photo Was Used

Questions have been raised over the newly introduced Ghana Cedi Heritage Series after allegations emerged that the wrong photograph had been used to represent one of the historical figures featured on the GH¢50 banknote.

The controversy follows the unveiling of the redesigned currency by the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana.

The new currency series features eight notable Ghanaians whose contributions have played significant roles in shaping the country’s history, culture and development.

However, the image used to honour Theodosia Salome Okoh, the celebrated designer of Ghana’s national flag, has come under scrutiny, with claims that the photograph on the GH¢50 note does not actually belong to her.

The issue was first brought to public attention by Dr Eddie Obeng, a Ghanaian academic reportedly related to Theodosia Okoh as her nephew.

In a LinkedIn post, Dr Obeng disclosed his surprise after reviewing the newly unveiled banknotes, alleging that the photograph used to represent his aunt was actually that of his mother.

He explained that he initially welcomed the news of his aunt’s recognition on the redesigned currency and was preparing to share the development with a family member before discovering the alleged mix-up.

According to him, his mother, who is recognised as Ghana’s first woman to obtain a PhD, appeared to have been mistakenly featured instead of Theodosia Okoh.

He said, “So, I heard this morning that my aunt had been honoured in a new series of issued banknotes in Ghana – she’s famous there for designing the country’s flag after independence from Britain. I was very proud and began composing a message to my cousin …

“Imagine my surprise when I took a look and realised that they have used a picture of my mother instead – she’s famous for being the country’s first lady PhD. You can’t make it up.”

The development has generated political reactions, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticising the government over the alleged error.

Afenyo-Markin questioned the process used to select the photograph, arguing that the incident raised concerns about the government’s attention to detail and its capacity to manage the country’s economy.

His remarks came after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Speaking to journalists after the budget presentation, the Minority Leader accused the government of hastily removing the images of the Big Six from Ghana’s currency, suggesting that the rush had contributed to the alleged misrepresentation of Theodosia Okoh.

He maintained that the reported mistake reflected a lack of diligence in an important national exercise and questioned whether the government could be trusted to handle the economy effectively.

Meanwhile, former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho has also weighed in on the controversy.

In a social media post on November 12, 2026, Anyidoho questioned whether the allegations were factual or merely politically motivated claims.

He indicated that he was struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding the reported use of the wrong photograph, adding to the growing public discussion about the newly introduced currency series.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Confusion-rocks-new-cedi-notes-after-gov-t-allegedly-used-wrong-photograph-of-Theodosia-Okoh-2061135

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