Theodosia Okoh: Bank of Ghana Finally Breaks Silence on Controversial New GH₵50 Banknote Portrait

The Bank of Ghana addressed public concerns about the portrait of flag designer Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknoteThe Bank confirmed the portrait was developed from multiple photographs of Mrs Okoh, not from images of her sister, Dr Letitia ObengTechnical and security requirements during the engraving process led to adjustments that caused the portrait to resemble Obeng closelyPAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

The Bank of Ghana has officially responded to public and family concerns over the likeness of Theodosia Okoh, designer of Ghana's national flag, depicted on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote.

The Bank of Ghana addressed public concerns about the portrait of flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote. Credit: Bank of Ghana Source: FacebookIn a statement, the Bank confirmed that the portrait was developed from multiple photographs of Mrs Okoh and not, as some had suggested, from images of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.

The Bank explained that the photographs were used to produce an engraved artistic representation suitable for banknote printing, a process that demands significant technical precision.

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During production, certain visual adjustments were made, among them the replacement of Mrs Okoh's familiar head-tie with a hairstyle more characteristic of the era.

The Bank acknowledged that these modifications contributed to the perceived differences in her appearance and to the portrait bearing a noticeable resemblance to Dr Obeng.

The Bank expressed appreciation for the family's constructive engagement on the matter, as well as the broader public interest in safeguarding Ghana's national heritage.

Despite the controversy, the Bank of Ghana affirmed the intent of the banknote.

It stated that the portrait is designed to honour Okoh and recognise her lasting contribution to Ghana's national identity, adding that it remains committed to ensuring that distinguished personalities featured on the country's currency are represented with both dignity and respect.

The Heritage Series banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on 1 December 2026.

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Bank of Ghana launched a new Cedi App to help Ghanaians explore the Heritage Series banknotes before they enter circulation on December 1, 2026.

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The app offered an interactive way to learn about the notes’ designs and security features, while a nationwide campaign would bring guidance to communities across all 16 regions.

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Delali Adogla-Bessa (Head of Current Affairs and Politics Desk) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.