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 explained that the portrait was developed using different photographs of Mrs Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag, but underwent artistic modifications to meet the technical and security requirements of currency production.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Bank said changes made during the engraving process, including replacing Mrs Okoh’s familiar head tie with a hairstyle common during the period, contributed to the differences in her appearance.
It acknowledged that these alterations had resulted in the portrait bearing a striking resemblance to Dr Obeng, prompting public concerns about 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 also expressed appreciation for 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 honour Mrs Okoh’s contribution to Ghana’s national identity and assured the public that distinguished personalities featured on the country’s currency would be 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.
