The Bank of Ghana has clarified concerns surrounding the portrait of Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh, designer of Ghana’s national flag, featured on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Bank dismissed suggestions that the portrait was developed from a photograph of Mrs Okoh’s sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.
According to the Bank, the portrait was created using different photographs of Mrs Okoh and subsequently transformed into an engraved artistic representation suitable for banknote printing.
The Bank explained that certain adjustments were made during the process to meet the technical and security requirements of
currency production.
These included replacing Mrs Okoh’s familiar head-tie with a hairstyle commonly worn during that period, an alteration it acknowledged contributed to the perceived differences in her appearance and the portrait’s close resemblance to Dr Obeng.
The Bank of Ghana said it appreciated the constructive engagement of the Okoh family and public interest in preserving Ghana’s national heritage.
It reaffirmed that the portrait was intended to honour Mrs Okoh and her invaluable contribution to Ghana’s national identity, adding that it remained committed to ensuring that distinguished personalities featured on the country’s currency were represented with dignity and respect.
The GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026
By: Bernard Mensah
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