{
  "id": 19956756,
  "title": "UN welcomes Kofi Annan’s appearance on new GH¢100 Heritage Banknote",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/un-welcomes-kofi-annans-appearance-on-new-gh-100-heritage-banknote",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T09:03:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/kofi-annan-banknote-un/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Nations has applauded Ghana's decision to feature former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the country's newly introduced GH¢100 banknote. In a statement released on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the UN's Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Zia Choudhury, hailed the move as a fitting tribute to Annan, lauding his extensive contributions to global peacebuilding and diplomacy beyond West Africa. Annan served as the UN's seventh Secretary-General between 1997 and 2006, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his efforts towards global harmony. Choudhury emphasized that Annan's leadership left an indelible mark on international affairs, with the UN noting that his presence on Ghana's national currency is a befitting tribute to a distinguished Ghanaian whose impact knew no borders. The new GH¢100 banknote prominently displays Annan's portrait on the front, while the reverse side highlights the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and the Adinkra symbol Bi Nka Bi, which symbolizes peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention. Annan's image is part of the Bank of Ghana's new Heritage Series, an eight-coin collection that pays tribute to Ghanaian icons, cultural symbols, and national landmarks. This series replaces the collective portrait of the country's \"Big Six\" leaders, which had been featured on national banknotes for nearly two decades. The series aims to capture various facets of Ghanaian identity, including commerce, religious diversity, education, justice, culture, freedom, international peace, and sovereignty. While the update received widespread acclaim, some online commentators noted the absence of other significant figures from Ghana's post-independence era. The Heritage Series also includes notable historical figures such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the nation's founding president and Pan-Africanist leader, and Justice Annie Jiagge, a pioneering jurist. The series also recognizes women and educators who have played pivotal roles in Ghana's development, such as the designer of the national flag, Theodosia Salome Okoh, and the renowned educator Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey. The Ghanaian central bank enhanced the new banknotes with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology and improved durability, addressing practical concerns such as the oversized previous GH¢200 bill that could not fit standard wallets. Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama confirmed that the redesign also reduced the size of the GH¢200 banknote, resolving a common complaint. President John Mahama highlighted that featuring historical icons and symbols on everyday currency would bring Ghana's past closer to younger citizens, fostering an appreciation of national heritage and encouraging citizens to carry the redesigned cedi with pride. The UN echoed this sentiment, stating that the tribute inspires young people to embrace core values such as integrity, public service, dialogue, and global solidarity. The new banknotes are set to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, while existing cedi banknotes will remain legal tender throughout the transition period.",
  "summary": "By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent The United Nations has commended Ghana’s decision to place former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the country’s newly unveiled GH¢100 banknote. International officials view the move as a lasting tribute to Annan’s global peacebuilding and diplomatic legacy. Global Recognition for a Diplomatic Career In a formal statement issued […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}