UPSA Lecturer Tears Into Mahama’s New Cedi Notes, Demands Big Six and Chiefs Be Honoured

A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Palgrave Boakye Danquah, has expressed disappointment with Ghana’s newly introduced Cedi Heritage Series, arguing that the redesigned banknotes fail to adequately recognise prominent figures who contributed to the country’s independence and historical development.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following the unveiling of the new currency, Dr Boakye Danquah described the redesign as a missed opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s historical identity, particularly ahead of its 70th independence anniversary in 2027.

He argued that banknotes should represent more than their monetary value, explaining that national currencies can also serve as important symbols of a country’s history, cultural heritage and identity.

The UPSA lecturer proposed that members of the Big Six should have been honoured individually on different denominations of the redesigned currency. The personalities he identified were Dr J.B. Danquah, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ako Adjei, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta.

According to him, featuring these historical figures would provide younger generations with an opportunity to learn about the individuals who played significant roles in Ghana’s struggle for independence.

He also suggested that traditional authorities, including the Asantehene, Ga Mantse, Okyenhene, Yaa Naa, Nayiri, Wa Naa and Bolgatanga Naba, deserved recognition on the new banknotes.

Dr Boakye Danquah maintained that traditional rulers contributed significantly to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and supporting its historical development, making their inclusion equally important.

He clarified that his criticism was not directed at any particular individual or institution but was intended to encourage broader recognition of the country’s historical contributions.

He therefore appealed to the relevant authorities to reconsider the designs before Ghana marks its independence anniversary on March 6, 2027.

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