Identity dispute erupts over Theodosia Okoh portrait on new GH¢50 note
By Nana Karikari, Senior International Affairs and Political Analyst A sharp political and historical dispute has erupted in Accra over the portrait printed on Ghana’s newly unveiled 50-cedi banknote. Critics and a prominent relative allege that the Bank of Ghana mistakenly engraved the likeness of a pioneering scientist instead of the woman who designed the […]
A dispute has erupted in Accra over a portrait on Ghana's 50-cedi banknote, which critics claim mistakenly features the likeness of a scientist rather than Theodosia Okoh, the woman who designed the nation's flag. The new Heritage Series banknotes were unveiled on November 12, 2026, in Accra, with the intention of improving security and durability standards.
The central bank's statement asserts that the design is an artistic rendering of Okoh, based on multiple photographs. However, opposition figures have accused the administration of hasty production that erases the Big Six, the founding leaders traditionally featured on Ghanaian banknotes. The controversy has gained significant traction, especially after Dr. Eddie Obeng, the nephew of Okoh and the son of Dr. Letitia Obeng, publicly backed the claim of a mistaken identity.
The central bank's spokesperson, Beatrice Annan, maintains that the portrait is a legitimate artistic rendering of Okoh, but skeptics remain unconvinced.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Portrait on new GH¢50 note is Theodosia Okoh, not her sister - Bank of Ghana clarifies 3news.com
- BoG worked with three authentic photos of Theodosia Okoh for GH¢50 banknote portrait, board member clarifies gbcghanaonline.com
- Theodosia Okoh’s image on new GH¢50 note, not her sister – BoG adomonline.com
- Image on new GH¢50 note is Theodosia Okoh, not her sister – BoG myjoyonline.com
