​Dr. A.A.Y. Kyerematen Deserves A Spot On Ghana’s New Banknotes — Nana Frimpong Zigah

Media personality and cultural commentator Nana Frimpong Zigah has joined the growing national conversation surrounding the newly unveiled Ghana Heritage Series banknotes, arguing that the late renowned anthropologist and cultural pioneer, Dr. Alexander Atta Yaw Kyerematen, merits recognition on the country’s currency.

His call follows the Bank of Ghana’s official launch of the redesigned cedi banknotes—spanning denominations from GH¢1 to GH¢200—which replace the traditional “Big Six” portraits with eight distinguished Ghanaians celebrated for their enduring contributions to national history, culture, and development. While the central bank’s selection has sparked widespread public praise and debate over historical representation, Zigah believes omitting a foundational figure in Ghana’s cultural preservation leaves a notable gap.

Dr. Alexander Atta Yaw Kyerematen, who served as the founder and first director of the Ghana National Cultural Centre in Kumasi, dedicated his life to safeguarding and promoting indigenous Ghanaian heritage, arts, and traditional institutions. According to Zigah, if the objective of the new Heritage Series is to educate younger generations and showcase the richness of Ghana’s cultural identity to the world, honoring the very architect of the nation’s modern cultural preservation movement is both fitting and overdue.

Zigah emphasized that national currency serves as a powerful daily reminder of a country’s values and pioneers. Beyond political figures, he argued, intellectual and cultural trailblazers who shaped Ghana’s creative and historical consciousness deserve equal prominence.

As the Bank of Ghana prepares to roll out the Heritage Series banknotes into official circulation, Zigah’s remarks add a compelling voice to ongoing discussions about how Ghana immortalizes its heroes—urging authorities to consider Dr. Kyerematen’s monumental legacy in future currency designs or national honors.

https://x.com/utvghana/status/2121763696481652811?a=apXqPTisD6roKdZvtHY&s=20

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