The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that the portrait of Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh, a renowned Ghanaian flag designer, will appear on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote. The announcement comes after public discussions and media inquiries about the inclusion of Okoh’s image on the currency.
The bank stated that the decision to feature Okoh on the GH₵50 note was made to honor her contributions to Ghana’s national identity. The Heritage Series banknote, which was introduced in 2023, includes portraits of notable Ghanaian figures. Okoh’s design of the national flag in 1957 is widely recognized as a symbol of Ghana’s independence.
The Bank of Ghana had previously faced public questions about the selection process for the portraits on the new banknotes. The confirmation of Okoh’s inclusion was part of a broader effort to recognize historical figures who played key roles in Ghana’s development. The bank emphasized that the choice was based on national significance and historical relevance.
The inclusion of Okoh on the GH₵50 note follows years of advocacy by historians and cultural experts to ensure that her legacy is acknowledged in national symbols. Her work on the flag, which was adopted in 1957, remains a key part of Ghana’s cultural heritage. The Bank of Ghana’s decision reflects a growing trend to highlight diverse contributions to national identity through monetary symbols.
