Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery featured on new GH₵2 banknote

The late Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery has been honored with his portrait featured on the newly unveiled GH₵2 banknote. The tribute recognizes the prelate's extensive religious leadership and his multifaceted contributions to the country's social development, particularly in the sectors of education and healthcare. By placing his image on the national currency, the state acknowledges his status as a moral pillar and a significant figure in Ghana's post-independence history.

Cardinal Dery’s ecclesiastical journey was defined by several historic firsts. He served as the inaugural Bishop of Wa and was later appointed as the first Archbishop of Tamale, playing a pivotal role in the growth of the Catholic Church in northern Ghana. His influence reached the highest levels of the global church hierarchy in 2006 when Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his advocacy for the poor and his commitment to building schools and hospitals that served all Ghanaians regardless of their faith.

The Cardinal passed away in March 2008 at the age of 89, but his spiritual influence remains strong. Within the Catholic Church, he is currently undergoing the formal process toward potential sainthood, a rare distinction that reflects his perceived holiness and dedicated service. The inclusion of his image on the GH₵2 banknote ensures that his legacy remains visible to the public, celebrating a life devoted to both God and the development of the Ghanaian people.