Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park proposes Independence Declaration image on Ghanaian banknotes

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has proposed replacing the image of the Big Six on selected Ghanaian banknotes with the iconic photograph of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah declaring Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.

The proposal, announced in a statement on Friday, November 6, 2026, is intended to broaden the historical representation on the country’s currency and celebrate significant moments in Ghana’s national history.

The Park’s management says the initiative aligns with the Bank of Ghana’s proposed introduction of a Heritage Series of banknotes.

According to the statement, the image of the Big Six currently features on almost all Ghanaian banknotes, reflecting their contributions to the country’s independence struggle.

However, management believes there is an opportunity to incorporate other defining moments in Ghana’s history while maintaining recognition of the Big Six’s historical significance.

It said currency serves not only as a medium of exchange but also as a vehicle for showcasing a nation’s identity, heritage and history.

“Banknotes serve as enduring symbols of national pride and collective memory, making their imagery an important part of how a country represents its history,” the statement said.

The Park believes the Independence Declaration photograph would provide a fitting representation of Ghana’s freedom, sovereignty and national identity.

The image captures Dr Kwame Nkrumah declaring independence on March 6, 1957, a defining moment in Ghana’s history and a landmark in the wider African liberation struggle.

Management described the occasion as the culmination of Ghana’s independence struggle and the moment the country broke free from colonial rule.

It said few moments in the nation’s history compare in significance to the day Ghana attained independence and took its place among sovereign nations.

Proposal ahead of Ghana’s 70th anniversary

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park says the proposed inclusion of the photograph would be particularly significant as Ghana prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary of independence in 2027.

It believes the introduction of the image on selected banknotes would serve as an enduring tribute to the historic moment that gave birth to the nation.

The Park’s management said the proposed Heritage Series presents an opportunity to celebrate significant personalities, events and milestones in Ghana’s national history.

“Our currency should not merely facilitate transactions; it should tell our national story. And there is no story more fundamental to modern Ghana than the moment we became free,” the statement said.