No Need For Secrecy In Choosing Images For New Bank Notes – Prof Prempeh

Constitutional expert Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh has questioned the process used by the Bank of Ghana in selecting images and portraits for the new bank notes.

In a statement by ZETTA on 13th November, 2026, Professor Prempeh said Ghana must learn to make important national decisions through a more open and inclusive process.

“We must learn to make certain consequential political decisions through a more deliberative and inclusive process. No need for secrecy or opacity in the selection of images and portraits for bank notes ostensibly celebrating our collective ‘heritage’. Not even families were consulted on photo selection, apparently. Why?” he said.

The new 50 cedi note, which features the image of a prominent Ghanaian woman, has sparked public debate since it was unveiled. While many have praised the choice to honour national heroes, others have raised questions about how the persons were selected and whether their families were involved.

Professor Prempeh argues that if the bank notes are meant to celebrate Ghana’s collective heritage, then the process should not have been done in secrecy. Families of those honoured, historians, and the general public should have been consulted.

He said such decisions are not just technical decisions for the Bank of Ghana alone, but political and cultural decisions that affect the whole nation and its identity.

His comments have added to the growing public conversation about transparency, national symbols, and who gets to decide what represents Ghana’s heritage.

Quophi Piloloo feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com