Is That Really Theodosia Okoh? Confusion Over Face on New GH¢50 Note

A debate has erupted over the portrait on one of Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes. The GH¢50 note was designated to honour Theodosia Okoh, the woman who designed the national flag, but some Ghanaians now question whether the face on it is really hers.

Professor Eddie Obeng, a management expert and nephew of Okoh, raised the issue on LinkedIn, saying the portrait appears to show his mother, the scientist Dr Letitia Obeng, instead of his aunt. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also questioned the image, claiming it does not accurately represent Okoh.

The Bank of Ghana has responded. It says it has noted the social media discussions and stresses that a banknote portrait is not an ordinary photograph. Board member Beatrice Annan said the bank used three authentic photographs of Okoh to develop the engraved image.

The bank’s position is that the note carries an engraved artistic portrait rather than a straightforward photo, which can make it look different from pictures people know. Critics remain unconvinced, and the argument has spread quickly online.

The note itself is not yet in circulation. The Heritage Series enters circulation on December 1, 2026, so the public will soon be able to judge for themselves.

Source: Yen.com.gh, Ghanamma and the Bank of Ghana’s statement.

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