The Bank of Ghana has addressed public concerns over the portrait of Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh on the new GH₵50 Heritage Series banknote, confirming it was created from photographs of the flag designer herself and not her sister.

In a press release issued on 13 November 2026, the central bank said the image was developed from different photographs of Mrs Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag. It was not taken from a photograph of her sister, Dr Letitia Obeng.

The Bank explained that the photographs were used to produce an engraved artistic representation suitable for currency printing. During this process, adjustments were made to meet technical and security requirements.

These included replacing Mrs Okoh’s familiar head-tie with a hairstyle common in that period. The Bank acknowledged that these adaptations contributed to perceived differences in her appearance and to the image bearing a close likeness to Dr Obeng.

The Bank expressed appreciation for the family’s constructive engagement and the public’s interest in preserving Ghana’s national heritage. It reaffirmed that the portrait is intended to honour Mrs Okoh and her contribution to the country’s national identity, and restated its commitment to representing distinguished personalities on Ghana’s currency with dignity and respect.

The Heritage Series banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on 1 December 2026.