Ghana New Cedi Notes: Mfantsipim Old Boy Nana Yaw Amponsah Pushes for Sports Figures

Former Asante Kotoko CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah reacted to the unveiling of Ghana's new Cedi Heritage Series banknotesThe Mfantsipim alumnus questioned why sporting personalities had not been included in the new currency redesignAmponsah proposed rotating the figures on Ghana's currency every decade to honour more accomplished GhanaiansGhana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!

Former Asante Kotoko chief executive Nana Yaw Amponsah has called on Ghana to place sporting legends on its banknotes, following the launch of the country's redesigned currency.

President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series on Thursday, November 12.

However, the absence of any sporting figure from the selection did not go unnoticed.

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Reacting on X, the Mfantsipim School alumnus challenged the criteria used to celebrate distinguished Ghanaians through the country's currency.

Amponsah also floated the idea of rotating the personalities featured on Ghana's banknotes every decade, arguing this would open the door for a wider range of accomplished citizens to receive national recognition.

His comments have reignited debate about how Ghana commemorates its sporting heritage.

Names frequently raised in such conversations include three-time world boxing champion Azumah Nelson, retired Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, legendary midfielder Abedi Pele, and former national team striker Asamoah Gyan, who ended his international career as Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals.

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These athletes helped elevate Ghana's standing on the world stage across football and boxing, yet no sporting figure has ever appeared on the country's currency.

Amponsah's remarks have added fresh momentum to a broader question about whether Ghana's national symbols adequately reflect the full breadth of the country's achievements, including those earned on the pitch and in the ring.

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the new GH¢5 note features Achimota School’s iconic clock tower on the reverse, while the front bears the portrait of its co-founder, Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey.

The 1927-founded institution is the only senior high school featured on the new cedi notes, with an Adinkra symbol representing education also appearing on the currency.

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Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin’s career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.