BoG worked with three authentic photos of Theodosia Okoh for GH¢50 banknote portrait, board member clarifies

The portrait of national flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new Ghanaian GH¢50 banknote was created using three authentic photos of her by Bank of Ghana (BoG) board member Beatrice Feehi Annangfio. She explained that the illustrators blended two photos from Mrs. Okoh’s younger years with a third image captured later in her life. This composite approach aimed to portray Mrs. Okoh as a mature woman while maintaining a family resemblance.

The designers also adjusted her hairstyle to reflect her family’s traditional style and sharpened her silhouette for the printing plates. The central goal was to produce a bold, clear, and dignified image fitting her significance in Ghanaian history. This portrait now adorns the GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote.

However, the unveiling of the new currency sparked debate when Professor Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Mrs. Okoh, expressed skepticism about the illustration’s accuracy. He compared the engraving to his mother’s appearance and shared his concerns on LinkedIn, leading to widespread discussion on how historical figures are represented on national currency.

In response, Annangfio announced that the BoG is engaging with the Okoh family to clarify any misconceptions. She emphasized that banknote portraiture demands specialized adjustments to ensure sharpness, detail, and anti-counterfeiting features that do not distort the subject’s likeness. The new GH¢50 bill is part of the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series, which President John Dramani Mahama launched on November 12, 2026.

The series honors notable figures from Ghana’s past, including Mrs. Okoh, who designed the nation’s flag upon independence in 1957. Alongside historical figures, the new notes showcase iconic sites and national symbols. The redesigned notes are set to become publicly available on December 1, 2026, with existing cedi notes remaining legal tender during the transition period. The BoG’s direct communication with the Okoh family may influence public perception of the redesigned currency.