Meet Madam Theodora Okoh’s Family Head Beatrice Annan – Kwesi Botchway Jnr

According to an Official Facebook Post by Kwesi Botchway Jnr on 13 November 2026, Beatrice Annan has become a subject of public discussion following her intervention in the controversy surrounding the portrait of Madam Theodosia Salome Okoh on Ghana’s newly unveiled GH¢50 banknote. In his post, captioned, “Seems she’s taking over from the Akwatia MP,” Botchway Jnr used sarcasm to comment on Annan’s explanation of the portrait, which has attracted considerable public attention.

The controversy began after Professor Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Madam Theodosia Okoh, questioned the identity of the woman featured on the new GH¢50 note. According to him, the portrait appeared to resemble his mother, Dr Letitia Obeng, rather than his aunt, Theodosia Okoh, the celebrated designer of Ghana’s national flag.

The observation quickly generated public debate because the two women were sisters. Dr Letitia Obeng was a distinguished Ghanaian zoologist and is widely recognised as the first Ghanaian woman to obtain a doctorate. Her sister, Theodosia Okoh, made history through her design of Ghana’s red, gold and green national flag with the black star, which was adopted at independence in 1957.

As questions about the portrait continued to spread, Beatrice Annan, a member of the Bank of Ghana’s Board, stepped forward with an explanation. Her intervention sought to clarify how the image representing Madam Okoh was developed and to address the concerns raised by members of the public.

In her explanation, Annan disclosed that the Bank of Ghana worked with three authentic photographs of Madam Theodosia Okoh. Two of the photographs were taken during her younger years, while the third came from a later period of her life. According to Annan, the images were used to create a single portrait presenting Madam Okoh as a mature woman while retaining what she described as a faithful family resemblance.

She further explained that the image on a banknote is not necessarily an ordinary photographic reproduction. Instead, it is an engraved artistic representation that must satisfy specific technical requirements. These include sharpness, adequate lighting and fine details that allow the image to be reproduced through specialised printing processes and incorporated into the security features of the currency.

Annan also addressed the hairstyle used in the portrait, explaining that it was adjusted to reflect the family’s preferred style and provide a clearer outline for engraving. She maintained that the objective was to produce a bold, clear and dignified image worthy of Madam Okoh’s contribution to Ghana’s history.

Her explanation has, however, not ended the debate. The central concern raised by Professor Eddie Obeng remains whether the portrait genuinely represents his aunt or whether the resemblance to his mother points to an error that needs further examination.

Kwesi Botchway Jnr’s post appears to draw attention to the unusual public attention surrounding Annan’s role in explaining the matter. His reference to her as Madam Theodora Okoh’s “family head” and his suggestion that she seems to be taking over from the Akwatia MP reflect his sarcastic commentary on the way the controversy is unfolding.

The Bank of Ghana has indicated that it is engaging members of the Okoh family to explain the process behind the portrait and address the concerns raised. Such engagement will be important in resolving the disagreement, particularly because the issue concerns the accurate representation of a personality whose contribution to Ghana’s national identity is widely recognised.

Ultimately, the controversy has placed Beatrice Annan at the centre of a national conversation about the new currency, historical recognition and institutional accountability. While her explanation provides details about the artistic and technical process, many Ghanaians will be looking forward to further clarification from the Bank of Ghana and the Okoh family.

Source: Official Facebook Post by Kwesi Botchway Jnr – 13 November 2026.

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