Portrait on new GH¢50 note is Theodosia Okoh, not her sister - Bank of Ghana clarifies
In a press release issued on Friday, November 13, the central bank said the portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh, and not from a photograph of Dr Obeng.
On November 13, the Bank of Ghana clarified that the portrait on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote depicts Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh, the designer of Ghana's national flag, and not her younger sister Dr. Letitia Obeng. The bank stated that the portrait was created from different photographs of Mrs. Okoh, not a photograph of Dr. Obeng.
The process involved adjusting the selected images to create an engraved artistic representation suitable for banknote printing, which unfortunately contributed to the perceived differences in Okoh's appearance. The Bank of Ghana thanked the family and the public for their interest in honoring Ghana's national heritage and reaffirmed that the portrait aims to honor Mrs. Okoh and her significant contribution to the country's identity.
The Heritage Series banknotes are set to enter circulation on December 1, 2026. The controversy arose shortly after President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the series on November 12, 2026. The new 50 Ghana Cedi note features Okoh on the front, Jubilee House on the back, and the Fawohodie symbol representing independence, freedom, and emancipation.
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- Image on new GH¢50 note is Theodosia Okoh, not her sister – BoG myjoyonline.com
