New GH¢50 note: Theodosia Okoh’s portrait developed from her photographs, not her sister’s – BoG

Beatrice Feehi Annangfio, a member of the Bank of Ghana's Board, has explained how the portrait of Ghana's national flag designer, Theodosia Salome Okoh, was created for the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote. The portrait, which appears on the new currency, was developed using three authentic photographs of Mrs. Okoh to ensure it met the technical requirements for banknote production.

The Bank of Ghana utilized two photographs of Mrs. Okoh from her younger years and one from later life to create a single image that presented her as a mature woman. This approach aimed to maintain a faithful family resemblance while also ensuring the portrait would be suitable for engraving and reproduction on the currency. The portrait's creation process differs from a typical photograph because it demands sharpness, proper lighting, and intricate detail for engraving, raised printing, and the integration of security features aimed at preventing counterfeiting.

Annangfio further clarified that adjustments were made to Mrs. Okoh's hairstyle to reflect the family's style and to provide a clearer outline for the engraving process. Her primary objective was to produce a portrait that was bold, clear, and dignified, befitting the historical significance of Theodosia Okoh in Ghana's history. The Bank of Ghana is engaging with members of the Okoh family to provide additional insights into the portrait development process and to address any concerns that may have arisen.

This clarification comes in response to questions raised by Prof Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Mrs. Okoh, who initially questioned whether the portrait on the new banknote accurately represented his aunt rather than another family member. The GH¢50 denomination is part of the Ghana Cedi Heritage Series, which was unveiled by President John Dramani Mahama on November 12, 2026.

This series of redesigned banknotes aims to celebrate Ghana's rich history and cultural identity through portraits of notable personalities, historic sites, and national symbols. The new series is scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, while the existing banknotes will remain legal tender throughout the transition period.