Two times Theodosia Okoh has been embroiled in controversies under Mahama governments

Theodosia Salome Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag, has made a lasting contribution to the country through her work in art.

Her name remains part of Ghana’s history, with her design of the national flag earning her recognition over the years.

Mahama apologises to Theodosia Okoh

However, Okoh has found herself at the centre of two public controversies under President John Dramani Mahama’s governments, first in 2013 and again in 2026.

This article looks at both incidents and what happened.

1. The 2013 National Hockey Stadium renaming controversy

The first controversy happened in July 2013, when the Accra Metropolitan Assembly announced plans to rename the National Hockey Stadium, which was named after Theodosia Okoh, after the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

The decision, announced by then Accra Mayor Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, formed part of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of the former president.

However, the move was met with disappointment from Theodosia Okoh and her family, who felt that the decision overlooked her contribution to the development of hockey in Ghana and her place in the country's history.

Theodosia Okoh had acquired the land on which the stadium was built and played a major role in promoting the sport in the country. She also served as chairperson of the Ghana Hockey Association for several years.

Following public criticism, the decision to rename the facility was reversed.

Then President John Mahama also apologised to her and later visited her at home to personally convey his apology.

2. The 2026 GH¢50 banknote portrait controversy

Thirteen years after the first incident, Theodosia Okoh's name has returned to the national conversation following the unveiling of the new Ghana Cedi Heritage Series on November 12, 2026.

Her portrait was selected for the GH¢50 denomination as part of efforts to honour prominent Ghanaians whose contributions have shaped the country's history and development.

However, questions emerged over the image used to represent her after Dr Eddie Obeng, a Ghanaian academic and reportedly her nephew, claimed that the portrait was that of his mother and not his aunt.

In a LinkedIn post, Dr Obeng said he was initially excited to learn that his aunt had been honoured on the new currency but was surprised when he examined the banknote.

“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,” he wrote.

The issue has also attracted criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who questioned the government's handling of the selection of the portrait.

He argued that the alleged mistake raised concerns about the government's attention to detail, particularly in matters relating to the country's economy.

The Bank of Ghana has since defended the portrait, explaining that three authentic photographs of Theodosia Okoh were used to create the image.

Okoh unhappy about attempts to swap her name for Mills on hockey stadium

According to the Bank, two of the photographs were from her younger years, while the third was taken later in her life. It said the images were combined to produce a portrait that presents her as a mature woman while maintaining her family resemblance.

The Bank also said it was engaging her family to explain the process used in creating the portrait and resolve the concerns raised.

MAG/BAI

Who Is Responsible for Stray-Bullet Injuries and Deaths?