Bank of Ghana Board Member Explains GH¢50 Portrait Amid Theodosia Okoh Debate

A member of the Bank of Ghana’s board, Beatrice Annan, says the portrait on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote was developed from photographs of Theodosia Salome Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag.

Her explanation follows public debate over the image, including a claim by a family member that it resembles Mrs Okoh’s late sister, scientist Dr Letitia Obeng.

In a social media post, Ms Annan said the portrait was an engraved artistic representation created to meet the technical requirements of banknote production.

She said designers used three photographs of Mrs Okoh—two from her younger years and one from later in life—to produce an image showing her as a mature woman.

According to Ms Annan, the hairstyle was also adjusted to reflect the family’s style and provide a clear outline for engraving. She said banknote portraits require fine detail for raised printing and security features designed to help prevent counterfeiting.

Ms Annan added that the Bank of Ghana was engaging Mrs Okoh’s family to explain the work behind the portrait and address their concerns.

Professor Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Mrs Okoh and son of Dr Letitia Obeng, questioned the portrait in a social media post. He said he believed the image resembled his mother rather than his aunt.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also criticised the design, alleging that the government had rushed the currency redesign and used the wrong image.

Ms Annan’s explanation was shared on social media. Reports said the central bank had not issued a separate response through its official communication channels at the time of their publication.

President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the eight-denomination Heritage Series at the Bank of Ghana’s Bank Square headquarters in Accra on November 12, 2026.

The GH¢50 note is intended to honor Mrs Okoh. Its design also features Jubilee House and the Fawohodie Adinkra symbol, which represents freedom and independence.

The new notes are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026. Existing cedi banknotes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the new series.

Omanghana is an online news portal that provides readers around the world with a greater focus on Ghana and other parts of Africa. Established in 2009, Omanghana regularly publishes articles related to News, Sports, and Entertainment.

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