by: Mohammed A. Abu
Ghana’s central Bank(Bank of Ghana) in an official statement issued in Accra, Saturday, has clarified concerns raised regarding the portrait of Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh, designer of the country’s national flag, featured on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote.
The Bank,the statement said, confirms that the portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs
Okoh, and not from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.
The photographs the statement said,were used to create an engraved artistic representation suitable for
banknote printing. During this process, it explained, certain adjustments, including the replacement
of Mrs Okoh’s familiar head-tie with a hairstyle common during that period, were made
to meet the technical and security requirements of currency production.
These adaptations, it added, unfortunately, contributed to the perceived differences in her appearance,
and to the image bearing a close likeness to Dr Obeng.
“The Bank appreciates the family’s constructive engagement and the public’s interest in
preserving Ghana’s national heritage.
“The Bank reaffirms that the portrait is intended to honour Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh
and her invaluable contribution to Ghana’s national identity.
“The Bank is committed to ensuring that the distinguished personalities featured on Ghana’s currency are
represented with dignity and respect”.
The Heritage Series banknotes,the statement concluded, will enter circulation on 1 December 2026.
SOURCE
Bank of Ghana
