Bank of Ghana Faces Dispute Over New Banknote Portrait

The Bank of Ghana unveiled its Heritage Series of banknotes on November 12, 2026, triggering a public dispute over the identity of the figure on the GH¢50 note. The central bank asserts the portrait depicts Theodosia Okoh, the designer of the national flag. However, critics and members of the Obeng family, including Professor Eddie Obeng, argue the image actually resembles Okoh's sister, Dr. Letitia Obeng.

Bank officials acknowledged that technical and security adjustments made during the design process caused the resemblance but maintained that the portrait is not of Dr. Obeng. Despite this explanation, the Minority caucus in Parliament, led by MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, is demanding that the bank appear before lawmakers. The opposition is seeking transparency regarding the cost of the series, due diligence reports, and the potential financial impact of reprinting the notes if the error is confirmed.

The new banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, and will circulate alongside existing currency.