BoG Board Member Beatrice Annan provides clarification on GH¢50 note and Theodosia Okoh portrait

Following public discussion on the portrait on the newly introduced GH¢50 note by the Bank of Ghana on whether or not it was a portrait of Theodosia Salome Okoh who designed the Ghana flag or her younger sister, Dr Leticia Obeng, who was a scientist and famous for being Ghana’s first lady PhD, a member of the BoG Board, Beatrice Feehi Annangfio has provided some clarification.

The Bank of Ghana is yet to officially react to the public discussion.

But Beatrice Annan, who is a Board Member and a presidential staffer reacted on Facebook following the public discussion ignited by a post on LinkedIn by Dr Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Theodosia Okoh, who has said the portrait is that of his mother, Dr Leticia Obeng who is famous for being Ghana’s first lady PhD.

“The Bank of Ghana has noted discussions on social media about the portrait of Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh, designer of Ghana’s national flag, on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote.

“A banknote portrait is not an ordinary photograph. It is an engraved artistic rendering created to meet the strict technical requirements of banknote printing. It must be sharp, well lit and rich in fine detail so that it can be engraved, reproduced in raised print and incorporate the security features that protect the note against counterfeiting.

“The Bank worked from three authentic photographs of Mrs Okoh, two from her younger years and one from later life. These were used to create a single portrait presenting her as a mature woman while retaining a faithful family resemblance. Her hairstyle was also adjusted to align with the family’s style and provide a clear outline suitable for engraving.

“The aim throughout was to produce a bold, clear and dignified image worthy of her place in our history. The result is the portrait featured on the GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote.

“The Bank is engaging her family to explain the careful work that went into creating the portrait and resolve the issue.”

On his part, the following is what Dr Eddie Obeng, the son of Dr Leticia Obeng, who says the portrait on the GH¢50 note is rather his mum wrote on LinkedIn.

“I have a wry smile on my face that won’t go away, and occasionally I shake my head or giggle.

“So, I heard this morning that my aunt had been honoured in a new series of issued banknotes in Ghana – she’s famous there for designing the country’s flag after independence from Britain. I was very proud and began composing a message to my cousin…

“Imagine my surprise when I took a look and realised that they have used a picture of my mother instead – she’s famous for being the country’s first lady PhD.