Kwakye Ofosu Addresses the Big Six Issue With a Statement That Has Got People Talking

The removal of five members of Ghana’s historic Big Six from the newly introduced cedi notes has sparked fresh debate about how the country’s history should be remembered. But Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has made his position clear, saying that nobody is entitled to remain permanently on the national currency.

His comment comes after the Bank of Ghana unveiled the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series on November 12, 2026. The redesigned notes feature different Ghanaian personalities, historic places and cultural symbols. However, one major change has caught public attention: only Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, remains among the Big Six.

The other five members are Dr Joseph Boakye Danquah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta. Their collective portrait had appeared on the front of the old cedi notes for years, making them familiar to generations of Ghanaians.

Reacting to the controversy, Kwakye Ofosu, who serves as Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, said: “Nobody owes anybody permanent fixture on currency”.

The statement has added a political dimension to the discussion, especially because the Big Six represent an important part of Ghana’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

Their removal from the new notes does not erase their place in the country’s history. However, it raises questions about the process used to select the personalities who deserve to appear on national currency and how the contributions of different historical figures should be recognised.

The Bank of Ghana has introduced a new set of individual portraits instead of the old collective image. The GH¢1 note features Madam Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, while Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery appears on the GH¢2 note. Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey is on the GH¢5 note, and Justice Annie Ruth Jiagge features on the GH¢10 note.

Dr Ephraim Amu, Theodosia Okoh and Kofi Annan appear on the GH¢20, GH¢50 and GH¢100 notes respectively. Nkrumah is featured on the GH¢200 note.

Supporters of the redesign may see it as an opportunity to recognise more Ghanaians whose contributions shaped the country. Others may question why five members of the Big Six were left out when their collective image had become a familiar national symbol.