Kofi Annan’s appearance on GH¢100 note a fitting tribute – UN Ghana

The United Nations (UN) in Ghana has welcomed the inclusion of the late Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, in the Bank of Ghana’s newly launched Heritage Series banknotes, describing it as a fitting tribute to one of the country’s most distinguished sons. In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, and signed by the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Zia Choudhury, the UN described Annan’s inclusion as a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of Ghana whose contributions transcended national boundaries.

“The United Nations in Ghana welcomes the recognition of the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, through his inclusion in Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes, launched by the Bank of Ghana today, 12 November 2026,” the statement said. “His recognition on Ghana’s national currency is a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of Ghana whose contributions transcended national boundaries,” the statement added.

The UN said that the honour goes beyond celebrating Kofi Annan’s achievements, offering an opportunity to inspire future generations to uphold the principles that guided his life and leadership. According to the organisation, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, service, dialogue and global solidarity in addressing challenges facing societies around the world.

Annan dedicated much of his life to promoting peaceful cooperation among nations, defending human rights and advancing sustainable development. His tenure as UN Secretary-General was marked by efforts to strengthen international cooperation and make the organisation more responsive to global challenges. The UN in Ghana said it remained committed to advancing the values associated with his leadership and working with the government and people of Ghana towards a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world.

Background: Who Was Kofi Annan? Kofi Annan (1938–2018) was born in Kumasi, Ghana, and rose to become one of the country’s most distinguished figures on the international stage. He served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) from 1997 to 2006, becoming the first Black African to hold the position. During his tenure, Annan championed human rights, global peace, HIV/AIDS awareness and sustainable development.

He also led efforts to reform the United Nations, strengthen international cooperation and advance the Millennium Development Goals. In recognition of their efforts to promote international peace and cooperation, Annan and the United Nations jointly received the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. After leaving office, he continued his work in diplomacy and peacebuilding through the Kofi Annan Foundation, which he established in 2007.

He also played key roles in efforts to resolve political and humanitarian crises in countries including Kenya, Syria and Myanmar. Kofi Annan died on 18 August 2018, aged 80, in Bern, Switzerland. His body was returned to Ghana, where he was laid to rest with full state honours at the Military Cemetery in Accra. His portrait features on the turquoise GH¢100 denomination, while the reverse of the note showcases the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, an institution that trains military personnel, police officers and civilians for peacekeeping and conflict management operations.

The note also carries the Adinkra symbol Bi Nka Bi, meaning “no one should bite another”, which represents peace, harmony, and peaceful coexistence. Read also: Learn about the 8 personalities, landmarks, and symbols featured on the new Heritage Cedi notes