New GH¢50 note: BoG used three authentic photographs of Mrs Okoh – Beatrice Annan clarifies

A Board Member of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Beatrice Annan, has defended the portrait of Ghana’s national flag designer, Theodosia Salome Okoh, on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote, saying it was carefully developed from authentic photographs of the late artist to meet the technical demands of currency production.

In a clarification posted on Facebook on Thursday, November 12, Mrs Annan said the portrait was not intended to be a direct reproduction of an ordinary photograph but an engraved artistic representation designed to meet strict banknote-printing standards.

Her comments follow public discussions about the image on the newly unveiled GH¢50 note, including a claim by Professor Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Mrs Okoh, that the portrait appeared to resemble his mother, Dr Letitia Obeng, rather than the national flag designer.

Professor Obeng, in a post on LinkedIn, said he was surprised after examining the new note and suggested that a photograph of his mother might have been used. The claim has added to the public debate surrounding the image chosen to honour Mrs Okoh.

Responding to the concerns, Mrs Annan said the apex bank worked with three authentic photographs of Mrs Okoh, two taken during her younger years and another from a later period, to produce a single image depicting her as a mature woman.

She explained that the process involved retaining a family resemblance while making adjustments to ensure the portrait was suitable for engraving and reproduction on the banknote.

According to her, banknote portraits require sharpness, adequate lighting and fine detail to allow for engraved printing, raised features and the incorporation of security elements intended to guard against counterfeiting.

Mrs Annan said the hairstyle was also adjusted to reflect the family’s preferred style and create a distinct outline that could be reproduced clearly.

“The aim throughout was to produce a bold, clear and dignified image worthy of her place in our history,” she said.

She added that the Bank was engaging members of the Okoh family to explain the work involved in producing the portrait and address the concerns raised.

The issue has emerged shortly after President John Dramani Mahama launched the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series on November 12, 2026.

The redesigned notes celebrate prominent Ghanaian figures, historic sites and cultural symbols. The GH¢50 denomination is dedicated to Mrs Okoh, who designed Ghana’s national flag.

The new series is expected to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, with the existing banknotes continuing to be accepted as legal tender during the transition.

The Bank has said the upgraded notes feature enhanced security measures and improved durability, with the redesign intended to reflect Ghana’s history and national identity while strengthening protection against counterfeiting.

Mrs Okoh, whose design was adopted as Ghana’s national flag at independence in 1957, remains an important figure in the country’s cultural and national history.

The Bank’s engagement with her family is expected to provide an opportunity to address the questions surrounding the portrait before the new notes enter general circulation.