Minority summons Bank of Ghana over new Heritage Series cedi notes

The Bank of Ghana has launched a new Heritage Series of cedi banknotes, featuring portraits of eight prominent historical figures who shaped the nation’s development. The series includes a new GH‒100 banknote honoring the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, as well as depictions of Ghana’s national flag designer, Theodosia Salomey Okoh. President John Mahama attended the unveiling ceremony, which the central bank described as an effort to celebrate Ghanaian icons and inspire younger generations. The United Nations in Ghana has welcomed the recognition of Annan, with UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury praising the inclusion for acknowledging Annan’s lasting impact on global peace and diplomacy.

However, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally summoned the Bank of Ghana to justify the introduction of the new notes. Ranking Member of the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, expressed the caucus's displeasure over a perceived lack of transparency, noting that the Minority was not invited to the unveiling event. The caucus is demanding a full breakdown of the reprinting costs and a technical justification for the redesign. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that Parliament should have been adequately briefed on such a significant national exercise to ensure proper oversight of public funds.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the accuracy of the portraits and the selection process itself. The Minority and other observers have pointed to alleged identity misrepresentations on some of the designs, specifically regarding the portrayal of Theodosia Okoh. Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, criticized the Bank of Ghana for a lack of consultation, claiming that even the families of the featured personalities were not engaged before the designs were finalized. He argued that the failure to use an inclusive approach undermines the heritage the series intended to honor.

The controversy has sparked broader public debate, with social media commentary from political figures such as Gabby Otchere-Darko highlighting the sensitive nature of the new banknotes. While the Bank of Ghana maintains the Heritage Series is a tribute to national service, the upcoming parliamentary hearing will focus on the central bank's due diligence and the procurement processes involved. The Minority has requested all relevant documentation regarding the redesign to be presented during their appearance before the House.