Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko
A cryptic post by a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko, has sparked heated debate on social media following the unveiling of the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series by the Bank of Ghana.
The new currency series features eight prominent personalities whose contributions have shaped Ghana’s history, culture and development.
Shortly after President John Dramani Mahama launched the new cedi notes on November 12, 2026, Otchere-Darko took to social media with a post that has since attracted widespread reactions and criticism.
In his post, he suggested that a nation that lacks the courage to acknowledge its shared history cannot heal its divisions or forge a common destiny.
“A nation that makes a battlefield of its past weakens its defences against the struggles of the present. Without the courage to accept a shared history, it cannot heal its divisions or forge a common destiny,” he wrote.
However, his comments have drawn criticism from some social media users, who have interpreted the post as an expression of bitterness over the selection of personalities featured on the new currency.
Some users suggested that Otchere-Darko was advocating for the inclusion of certain individuals, whom they believe have personal or family connections to him because of their contributions to the country.
“When the right history does not favour you, you don’t rewrite it and expect us to accept it as such,” one user commented.
“We will not put any of your family’s heads on our currency again,” another user wrote.
“Nkrumah remains the greatest. Your family are nothing but traitors,” another comment read.
“Not a single positive comment here to back you, Sir. Your party really struck a wrong nerve with Ghanaians,” a user added.
Another user questioned the contributions of some historical figures, “What were the contributions of the other three individuals prior to Ghana’s independence that you wanted included as part of this ‘shared history’?”
The redesigned banknotes, launched on Thursday, November 12, 2026, celebrate Ghana’s heritage through themes including education, commerce, religious freedom, justice, nationalism, peace and sovereignty.
Each denomination tells a different story about Ghana’s development and honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.
Here is a breakdown of the eight banknotes, the personalities featured on them and what they represent.
GH¢1 – Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome (Commerce)
The GH¢1 note features Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, a pioneering textile trader whose business success inspired generations of Ghanaian women entrepreneurs.
She is recognised for her contribution to commerce and her confidence in formal banking at a time when many traders relied on traditional methods of saving.
The back of the note features Makola Market, one of Ghana’s historic trading centres, highlighting the contribution of market women to the economy.
GH¢2 – Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery (Religious Freedom)
The GH¢2 note honours Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery, a respected Catholic leader and educator who promoted religious tolerance, education and community development.
His inclusion highlights Ghana’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
The back of the note features the historic Larabanga Mosque, one of Ghana’s oldest Islamic places of worship.
GH¢5 – James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey (Education)
The GH¢5 note features James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, a renowned Ghanaian educator who championed education, particularly for women.
Aggrey believed education was essential to the development of individuals and society. His work helped shape educational thinking across Africa.
The back of the note features Achimota School, which he helped establish, highlighting the importance of education in national development.
GH¢10 – Annie Jiagge (Justice and Equality)
The GH¢10 note honours Annie Jiagge, Ghana’s first female judge and a prominent advocate for women’s and human rights.
She is recognised for breaking barriers in the legal profession and promoting equality and fairness.
The back of the note features the Supreme Court of Ghana, representing justice, the rule of law and equality before the law.
GH¢20 – Dr Ephraim Amu (Arts and Entertainment)
The GH¢20 note features Dr Ephraim Amu, a celebrated Ghanaian composer, musicologist and educator.
He played an important role in preserving Ghanaian music and promoting the country’s cultural identity through his compositions, including the patriotic song “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni”.
The back of the note features the National Theatre, representing Ghana’s creative arts and entertainment industry.
GH¢50 – Theodosia Salome Okoh (Nationalism)
The GH¢50 note honours Theodosia Salome Okoh, the woman who designed Ghana’s national flag.
She also contributed to sports development, particularly hockey, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s history.
Her inclusion celebrates national pride, unity and patriotism.
The back of the note features Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s Presidency and a symbol of democratic governance.
GH¢100 – Kofi Annan (Peace)
The GH¢100 note features Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
He is recognised for his efforts to promote peace and resolve conflicts around the world.
The back of the note features the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, highlighting Ghana’s contribution to global peace and security.
GH¢200 – Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Sovereignty)
The GH¢200 note honours Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, who led the country to independence in 1957.
He is recognised for his leadership in Ghana’s independence struggle, his contribution to national development and his promotion of African unity.
The back of the note features the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a national monument that honours his legacy and Ghana’s independence journey.
What makes the new banknotes different?
Beyond the new personalities and designs, the Heritage Series comes with improved security features aimed at making counterfeiting more difficult.
These include colour-changing numbers, security threads, cocoa pod watermarks and raised prints to help visually impaired persons identify the different denominations.
Read some of the comments below:
@GabbyDarko what was the contribution of the other 3 individuals prior to GHANA independence you wanted as "shared history"
— Mahama’s Big Push Ambassador ®️ (@Woodcoffie56) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko Not a single positive comment here to back you Sir. Your party really struck a wrong nerve in the Ghanaian.
— ApexFii 🇺🇸🇬🇭 (@fiifi_gh) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko The history of our independence is shared only in the minds of your family members. To the rest of the world. Only one man dey! His name is Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Hold your L.
— Kofi Darlington🔫 (@Darlington1Gh) November 13, 2026
@GabbyDarko We will not put any of your family’s Head on our currency again.😅
— Felix Selorm Hosu (@FelixSelormHosu) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko @obiba_jk2 When the right history do not favor you, you don’t rewrite it and expect us to keep it as such 🙌
— DERY (@TG_DERY) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko Akuffo Addo will be the last person within your family to ever be given any position to ever serve Ghana. Criminals and nation wreckers Ken refusing to come back to Ghana should be the biggest scar on the facess of your family. Thank president mahama for being a gentleman.
— Ability (@ability441) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko You cannot sabotage a nation's liberation struggle and later demand an equal share of its glory.
— Nii Ashong (@kotokuashong) November 12, 2026
Daabi da.
Let history speak.
Not every participant in a historical struggle deserves the same place in its triumph.
@GabbyDarko I think your family should petition the UK Government to put your uncles and co on the Pound instead.
— KabalaneSam (@kabalane_) November 12, 2026
We know who our freedom fighters and who wanted to build a proper Ghana were and they don’t include your family.
@GabbyDarko We will not celebrate those who opposed Nkrumah's immediate independence agenda, undermine his development ambitions and, in the eyes of many Ghanaians, stood on the wrong side of the struggle, then demand that you be accorded equal heroic status.
— Nii Ashong (@kotokuashong) November 12, 2026
E no go happen .
F O R G E T .
@GabbyDarko This man may get a Bp if he goes the CS, Ghanaians are wide awake oooo oluuuu…..
— Gidi😉 (@Gidjay39) November 12, 2026
the 1934 tactics no go Faa🤣
@GabbyDarko When ur party returns is 2042 and deems it fit to restore them,you’re at liberty to do so but for now,we will only recognize nation builders not traitors
— Mr Dave🇬🇭 (@AnsahDavidKwam2) November 12, 2026
@GabbyDarko Nkrumah is the greatest. U family are made up traitors
— korkor abrabor (@reddishred13) November 12, 2026