Bank of Ghana defends Theodosia Okoh portrait on new GH₵50 banknote

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially clarified that the portrait on the newly unveiled GH₵50 banknote depicts Theodosia Salome Okoh, the renowned designer of the national flag. This response follows public controversy and claims from family members that the image mistakenly features Okoh's sister, Dr. Leticia Obeng. The central bank maintained that the portrait is an authentic, albeit artistically rendered, representation of the national icon.

The dispute gained momentum after Dr. Eddie Obeng, a nephew of Theodosia Okoh, claimed on social media that the portrait actually showed his mother, Dr. Leticia Eva Obeng. Dr. Obeng expressed surprise at the alleged mix-up, noting that his mother was a trailblazer in her own right as the first Ghanaian woman to earn a doctorate degree. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about the accuracy of the representation following the note's unveiling by President John Mahama on November 12, 2026.

Defending the design, BoG Board Member Beatrice Feehi Annangfio explained that the portrait was developed as an artistic rendition rather than a reproduction of a single photograph. She stated that the design team utilized multiple images of Theodosia Okoh from various stages of her life—including younger and later years—to create a respectful and dignified composite image for the currency. This approach, the bank argued, was intended to capture the essence of the flag designer's identity while maintaining the aesthetic standards required for national currency.

The controversy has highlighted the significant legacies of both sisters in Ghanaian history. Theodosia Okoh, who passed away in 2015, is celebrated not only for designing the national flag but also for her immense contributions to education and her role as a leader in Ghanaian hockey. While the family has highlighted the resemblance to Dr. Leticia Obeng, the central bank’s clarification aims to settle the identity of the portrait as the new GH₵50 note enters general circulation.