Bank of Ghana clears Theodosia Okoh over new GH¢50 note portrait

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has dismissed claims that the woman featured on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is Dr. Letitia Obeng, sister of Ghana's national flag designer, Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh.

The controversy emerged following the unveiling of Ghana's new Heritage Series banknotes, after sections of the public questioned whether the portrait on the GH¢50 denomination actually depicted Theodosia Okoh or her sister.

The debate gained attention on social media, with some people arguing that the woman in the newly designed banknote bore a closer resemblance to Dr. Letitia Obeng than to the late national flag designer.

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However, the Bank of Ghana has now responded to the concerns, insisting that the portrait on the new GH¢50 note is indeed that of Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh.

In a clarification issued on Friday, November 14, 2026, the bank explained that the portrait was developed using different photographs of Mrs. Okoh and was not based on a photograph of her sister, Dr. Letitia Obeng.

According to the bank, the image was transformed into an engraved artistic representation to make it suitable for printing on currency.

It further explained that some adjustments were made during the design process to meet the technical and security requirements of banknote production.

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One of the changes involved replacing Mrs Okoh's familiar head-tie with a hairstyle commonly worn during that period. The Bank acknowledged that these alterations contributed to the differences in her appearance and the perceived resemblance to her sister.

"The photographs were used to create an engraved artistic representation suitable for banknote printing," the bank stated.

The Bank of Ghana also acknowledged the family's constructive engagement and thanked members of the public for their interest in preserving Ghana's national heritage.

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It reaffirmed that the portrait was specifically intended to honor Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh and recognize her contribution to Ghana's national identity through the design of the country's flag.

"The Bank reaffirms that the portrait is intended to honor Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh and her invaluable contribution to Ghana's national identity," the statement added.

The Bank further assured the public of its commitment to ensuring that distinguished personalities featured on Ghana's currency are represented with dignity and respect.

The new Heritage Series banknotes, which feature eight prominent Ghanaian personalities, historic landmarks, and traditional Adinkra symbols, are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026.