Who Are These People On Our Money—Akosua Manu Puts Bank Of Ghana Under Pressure Over New Cedi Notes

Former NPP parliamentary aspirant Akosua Manu has launched a strong criticism of Ghana’s newly unveiled Cedi Heritage Series banknotes, raising serious questions about the identities of some of the people whose images appear on the new currency.

In a strongly worded statement, Akosua Manu expressed disappointment over what she described as troubling developments surrounding the selection of personalities featured on the new banknotes.

She recalled that the historic Big Six played important roles in Ghana’s struggle for independence and said their images on the old cedi notes served as a lasting reminder of their contribution to the country.

However, she questioned reports that an image allegedly belonging to a Zimbabwean influencer had found its way onto one of Ghana’s new banknotes.

The controversy follows claims circulating on social media that a photograph taken at Makola Market in Accra in 2021, reportedly featuring a Zimbabwean woman identified as Esther Bosha, was used on the reverse side of the new GH₵1 note.

Akosua Manu suggested that such a development, if confirmed, would raise serious concerns about the checks carried out before the new currency designs were approved.

She also turned her attention to the controversy surrounding the image associated with Theodosia Okoh, the woman credited with designing Ghana’s national flag.

According to Akosua Manu, the situation has become even more worrying following claims by a relative of Theodosia Okoh that the image used on the new GH₵50 note is actually that of her sister.

The claim has added another layer to the public debate over the selection and identification of personalities featured on the Heritage Series.

Akosua Manu said she was struggling to understand how such issues could arise in a project meant to celebrate Ghana’s history and important national figures.

She also expressed concern about the identities of other people whose images appear on the new currency, questioning whether the necessary verification was done before the notes were unveiled.

“Ei, Ghana! We are all involved o,” she concluded.

Her comments come amid growing public discussions about the Bank of Ghana’s selection process, with several citizens demanding explanations about the historical figures, photographs and cultural symbols used in the new designs.

The controversy has placed pressure on the central bank to provide clear answers and address the claims circulating online.

However, the allegations surrounding the GH₵1 and GH₵50 notes have not yet been independently established. The Bank of Ghana’s response will be important in determining whether the concerns raised by Akosua Manu and other critics have any basis.

For many Ghanaians, the issue is bigger than the appearance of the banknotes. It is about protecting the country’s history, respecting national heroes and ensuring that the symbols representing Ghana are properly verified.

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