Controversy Rocks New Cedi Banknotes as Family and Minority Accuse Government of Using Wrong Photograph of Theodosia Okoh
Questions and public debate have erupted just hours after President John Dramani Mahama officially unveiled the Bank of Ghana’s new “Heritage Series” cedi banknotes, following widespread allegations that an incorrect photograph was used to depict iconic national flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh on the GH¢50 note.
While the upgraded currency series honors eight prominent figures who have shaped Ghana’s history and national identity, scrutiny quickly fell on the GH¢50 denomination. The apparent mix-up was first flagged by Ghanaian academic Professor Eddie Obeng, who is a nephew of the late Theodosia Okoh.
Sharing his reaction in a LinkedIn post, Professor Obeng revealed that after inspecting the newly unveiled notes, he realized the portrait printed beside his aunt’s name was actually that of his own mother, who is noted for being Ghana’s first female PhD holder. Expressing amusement and disbelief at the oversight, he noted that while he initially felt proud hearing his aunt was being honored, seeing his mother’s photograph on the banknote left him shaking his head.
The alleged error has swiftly drawn sharp political criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Addressing journalists after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, Afenyo-Markin accused the Mahama administration of acting in haste to erase the “Big Six” from Ghana’s currency and history.
According to the Minority Leader, that rush resulted in the government outdooring a banknote bearing Theodosia Okoh’s name alongside the wrong face. He questioned how an entire state machinery that failed to exercise basic diligence in verifying a portrait for the national currency could be trusted to effectively manage the broader economy.
The controversy has also sparked reactions across the political divide, with former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, taking to social media on November 12 to express bewilderment over whether the viral claims were true or mere propaganda, noting that he was finding it extremely difficult to wrap his head around the situation.
So, is this just mere propaganda or it is the truth?
Honestly, I am finding it extremely difficult to wrap anything around this issue …
Phew!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/8oRUUlT6ef
— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) November 13, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
