Image on new GH¢50 note is Theodosia Okoh, not her sister – BoG

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has dismissed concerns that the portrait of the late Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote was taken from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng. The central bank says the image was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag, but underwent artistic adjustments to meet the technical and security requirements of currency production.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the bank said the changes made during the engraving process, including replacing Mrs Okoh’s familiar head tie with a hairstyle common during the period, had contributed to the differences in her appearance. It acknowledged that the alterations had resulted in the portrait bearing a close resemblance to Dr Obeng, giving rise to public concerns over the identity of the woman depicted.

“The Bank confirms that the portrait was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh and not from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng,” the statement said. The Bank said it appreciated the constructive engagement of the Okoh family and the public interest in preserving Ghana’s national heritage. It maintained that the portrait was intended to recognise Mrs Okoh’s contribution to Ghana’s national identity and pledged to ensure that distinguished personalities featured on the country’s currency were represented with dignity and respect.

The clarification comes ahead of the introduction of the Heritage Series banknotes, which the Bank says will enter circulation on December 1, 2026. PRESS RELEASE – CLARIFICATION ON THE PORTRAIT OF MRS THEODOSIA SALOME OKOH ON THE GH₵50 HERITAGE SERIES BANKNOTE 13112026-1Download