UN welcomes Kofi Annan’s appearance on new GH¢100 Heritage Banknote

By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent

The United Nations has commended Ghana’s decision to place former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the country’s newly unveiled GH¢100 banknote. International officials view the move as a lasting tribute to Annan’s global peacebuilding and diplomatic legacy.

Global Recognition for a Diplomatic Career

In a formal statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana Zia Choudhury praised the central bank’s decision. Choudhury noted that the tribute honors a statesman whose work extended far beyond West Africa.

Annan led the United Nations as its seventh Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006. He and the organization jointly received the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts toward a more peaceful world. Throughout those nine years, he championed human rights, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. The UN emphasized that his leadership left a permanent mark on international affairs.

“His recognition on Ghana’s national currency is a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of Ghana whose contributions transcended national boundaries,” the UN statement noted.

Design Elements Highlight Peacekeeping and Heritage

The new GH¢100 note centers on Ghana’s role in global security and diplomacy. Annan’s portrait anchors the front of the bill.

On the reverse side, designers featured the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. That landmark sits alongside Bi Nka Bi, a traditional Adinkra symbol signifying peaceful coexistence and conflict avoidance.

The GH¢100 bill forms part of the Bank of Ghana’s new Heritage Series. This eight-denomination collection highlights prominent historical figures, cultural icons, and national landmarks. The redesign replaces the collective portrait of Ghana’s founding “Big Six” leaders, which appeared on national banknotes for nearly two decades.

President John Mahama officially unveiled the currency suite on Thursday, November 12 at Bank Square in Accra. Each note in the series captures a distinct pillar of Ghanaian identity. Those themes span commerce, religious diversity, education, justice, culture, freedom, international peace, and sovereignty. While the update drew wide praise, some public commentators online noted the omission of other prominent post-independence figures.

Pan-African Icons and Trailblazers Across the Series

Beyond Annan, the Heritage Series spotlights several figures whose influence shaped Ghana and the wider African continent. Ghana’s founding president and Pan-Africanist leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, anchors the highest denomination GH¢200 bill alongside his mausoleum in Accra.

The series also elevates pioneering women and educators. Trailblazing jurist Justice Annie Jiagge appears on the GH¢10 note, national flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh features on the GH¢50 note, and renowned educator Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey graces the GH¢5 bill.

Enhanced Security and Practical Upgrades for Daily Trade

For everyday consumers and cross-border traders, the central bank paired the cultural tribute with major physical upgrades. Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama confirmed that the redesigned notes feature advanced anti-counterfeiting technology and stronger durability.

Central bank currency officials also reduced the physical size of the GH¢200 banknote. The previous oversized bill often failed to fit standard wallets, a practical complaint the new dimensions directly resolved.

Both Ghanaian authorities and international diplomats framed the currency launch as an educational tool for the nation’s youth. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, President Mahama stated that featuring historical icons and symbols on everyday currency will bring Ghana’s past closer to younger citizens and deepen their appreciation of national heritage. He further urged citizens to carry the redesigned cedi with pride and safeguard confidence in the national currency.

The UN echoed that sentiment in its release. Officials observed that the tribute encourages young people to embrace core principles of integrity, public service, dialogue, and global solidarity. Moving forward, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Annan’s values while partnering with Ghana to build a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.

The Bank of Ghana confirmed that the Heritage Series notes will enter public circulation on December 1, 2026. Existing cedi banknotes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the redesigned bills during a gradual transition.