Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has criticised the John Mahama government over the use of an incorrect photograph of Theodosia Okoh on the newly introduced GH¢50 banknote.
The Minority Leader questioned the government’s diligence in selecting the image, contending that the alleged error raised concerns about its ability to manage the country’s economy.
Afenyo-Markin slammed the government for rushing to remove the images of the Big Six from Ghana’s currency, resulting in a mistake in representing Theodosia Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag.
Addressing journalists after the presentation of the 2027 budget, Afenyo-Markin stated, “They were in haste to erase the Big Six from our currency and our history. Out of that haste and hate, we saw them outdooring a note bearing the name of Theodosia Okoh, but they got her picture wrong and placed a different face on the GH¢50 note,” he said.
“So a whole government machinery that cannot be diligent enough to get the right picture to put on our currency, how can we trust them with our economy? Can we trust them to put money in our pockets?” he asked.
Also, the Minority allegation was corroborated by Dr Eddie Obeng MBA, who said Theodosia Okkoh was his mother’s sister.
According to a post on LinkedIn by Dr Eddie Obeng accompanied by front and back images of the new GH₵50 note, he revealed that he had been proud to hear his aunt had been honoured, only to realise the face on the note was not hers, but rather his mother’s.
“I have a wry smile on my face that won’t go away, and occasionally I shake my head or giggle. So, I heard this morning that my aunt had been honoured in a new series of issued banknotes in Ghana – she’s famous there for designing the country’s flag after independence from Britain.
I was very proud and began composing a message to my cousin. 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 development follows the GH¢50 note, which is part of the Bank of Ghana’s newly introduced Heritage Series, which features eight prominent Ghanaian personalities, historical landmarks and traditional symbols celebrating the country’s history.
The new cedi note is dedicated to national identity, freedom and self-determination, and honours Theodosia Salome Okoh, whose portrait appears on its front.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Bank of Ghana’s Heritage Series banknotes.
Mahama described the new currency as an opportunity to bring Ghana’s history and national heritage closer to the younger generation.
Mahama disclosed that the historical figures, landmarks and cultural symbols featured on the new banknotes would encourage learning and deepen young people’s understanding of Ghana’s history.
He stated, “These notes will also help bring our history closer to our children. The national figures, the historic places, and the cultural symbols featured on the Heritage Series can prompt questions, encourage learning, and deepen understanding of the country that our children are growing in”.
“History belongs to our classrooms and museums, and it also deserves a place in our everyday lives. The Heritage Series helps bridge those settings, placing reminders of our national journey in the hands of the new generation,” he added.
Mahama added, “To our young people, I say that you too have a place in this story. Through your learning, enterprise, and service, you will shape what Ghana becomes”.
“The new notes will run side by side with the old currency notes. They are not displacing the old currency notes. The banks will withdraw the old notes gradually until the new notes take over completely,” he said.
Also, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce its upgraded Ghana Cedi Heritage Series into circulation from December 1, 2026.
Watch the video below:
LIVE | 2027 Budget Presentation: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin alleges that the picture of Theodosia Okoh on the new Ghana Cedi note is wrong. https://t.co/eSX9VKR8qs
— The1957News (@The1957News) November 12, 2026
