They Have Removed 5 Members of the Big Six from Ghana’s Currency — Awal Mohammed on New Cedi

According to an Official Facebook Post by Awal Mohammed on November 12, 2026, the removal of five members of Ghana’s historic Big Six from the newly unveiled banknotes deserves public attention. In a post captioned, “It is worth noting that they have removed 5 members of the Big Six from Ghana’s currency, including a former President of the Republic,” Mohammed highlights one of the most significant changes introduced by the Bank of Ghana through its new Cedi Heritage Series.

The new banknotes, officially unveiled on Thursday, November 12, 2026, represent a departure from the currency design that Ghanaians have become familiar with over the years. Under the previous series, the collective portrait of the Big Six appeared prominently on Ghana’s banknotes, serving as a reminder of the nationalist leaders whose activities contributed to the struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

The Big Six comprise Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Dr Joseph Boakye Danquah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta. Their place in Ghana’s political history is closely connected to the events of 1948, when they became prominent figures in the independence movement following their arrest by British colonial authorities.

However, an examination of the newly introduced Heritage Series shows that only one member of the group, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has retained a place on the redesigned banknotes. He now appears individually on the GH¢200 denomination, while the other five members are absent from the new series. This marks a notable change from the previous arrangement, in which their collective portrait was a familiar feature of the national currency.

One particularly significant aspect of Mohammed’s observation is his reference to Edward Akufo-Addo, who was not only a member of the Big Six but also served as President of the Republic of Ghana from 1970 to 1972. His exclusion, alongside the other four members, raises questions about how the country’s historical personalities are selected for recognition on national banknotes.

The Bank of Ghana has presented the Heritage Series as an opportunity to broaden the representation of Ghana’s history and celebrate personalities whose contributions span different areas of national development. The new denominations feature Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery, James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey, Justice Annie Jiagge, Dr Ephraim Amu, Theodosia Salome Okoh, Kofi Annan and Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Their inclusion reflects contributions to banking, religion, education, the judiciary, music, national identity, diplomacy and politics.

The change has nevertheless created room for public discussion about the balance between recognising new national heroes and preserving the historical figures who helped secure Ghana’s independence. While the introduction of different personalities can broaden the national story represented on the currency, the absence of five members of the Big Six may leave some Ghanaians questioning whether their historical contributions have received sufficient recognition.

Mohammed’s closing remark, “Tomorrow is pregnant” adds an element of anticipation to his post. Although he does not explain what he expects to happen next, the expression suggests that he believes the decision to remove five members of the Big Six may generate further discussion or developments.

The new banknotes are expected to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, alongside the existing notes, which will remain legal tender. Beyond their historical symbolism, the redesigned notes also introduce improved security features, greater durability and smaller, more portable sizes.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding the new currency is not simply about portraits and banknote designs. It is also about national memory, historical recognition and the responsibility to preserve the contributions of the personalities who shaped Ghana’s journey to independence.

Source: Official Facebook Post by Awal Mohammed – November 12, 2026.

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