Confusion rocks new cedi notes after alleged use of 'wrong' photograph of Theodosia Okoh

Questions have emerged hours after the government of Ghana, through President John Dramani Mahama, unveiled the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series introduced by the Bank of Ghana, following claims that an incorrect photograph of one of the personalities featured on the currency had been used.

The new currency series features eight prominent personalities whose contributions have shaped Ghana’s history, culture and development.

However, the photograph used to represent one of the personalities on the GH¢50 note has sparked controversy, with some individuals alleging that the portrait is not that of Theodosia Salome Okoh, the renowned designer of Ghana’s national flag, but rather that of another person.

The concern was initially raised by Dr Eddie Obeng, a Ghanaian academic who is reportedly a nephew of Theodosia Okoh.

In a LinkedIn post, he expressed surprise after examining the newly unveiled banknotes, claiming that the photograph used on the GH¢50 note was that of his mother rather than his aunt.

In his post, Dr Obeng wrote, “I have a wry smile on my face that won't go away, and occasionally I shake my head or giggle.

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“So, I heard this morning that my aunt had been honoured in a new series of issued banknotes in Ghana - she's famous there for designing the country's flag after independence from Britain. I was very proud and began composing a message to my cousin ...

“Imagine my surprise when I took a look and realised that they have used a picture of my mother instead - she's famous for being the country's first lady PhD. You can't make it up.”

The controversy has also attracted criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has accused the Mahama-led government of using an incorrect photograph of Theodosia Salome Okoh on the newly introduced GH¢50 banknote.

Afenyo-Markin questioned the government's diligence in selecting the image, arguing that the alleged error raised concerns about its ability to manage the country's economy.

His comments followed the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

Addressing journalists after the presentation, the Minority Leader accused the government of rushing to remove the images of the Big Six from Ghana's currency, resulting in what he described as a mistake in representing Theodosia Okoh.

“They were in haste to erase the Big Six from our currency and our history. Out of that haste and hate, we saw them outdooring a note bearing the name of Theodosia Okoh, but they got her picture wrong and placed a different face on the GH¢50 note,” he said.

He further questioned how a government that had allegedly failed to ensure the use of the correct photograph on the country's currency could be trusted to manage the economy effectively.

“So, a whole government machinery that cannot be diligent enough to get the right picture to put on our currency, how can we trust them with our economy? Can we trust them to put money in our pockets?” he asked.

Meanwhile, former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has also raised concerns over the controversy surrounding the photograph.

In a social media post on November 12, 2026, he questioned the authenticity of the claims, expressing difficulty in making sense of the development.

“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!!!!!!!!!” he wrote.

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

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