Bank of Ghana Unveils New Cedi Notes Honouring Eight Influential Ghanaian Personalities

The Bank of Ghana has introduced a new Heritage Series of banknotes featuring eight prominent Ghanaian personalities whose contributions have helped shape the country's history, culture, education, religion and international reputation.

The new currency designs, unveiled on Thursday, November 12, 2026, mark a significant change from the existing Ghana cedi banknotes, replacing the collective portrait approach with individual images of distinguished national figures.

The Heritage Series recognises personalities from different generations and backgrounds, highlighting their contributions to Ghana's political development, cultural identity, public service and international diplomacy.

Among the personalities featured are Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Ghanaian flag designer Theodosia Salome Okoh and renowned musician and composer Dr Ephraim Amu.

Eight Personalities Featured on the New Ghana Cedi Notes

The newly unveiled banknotes feature the following personalities across eight denominations.

GH¢1 – Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome.

Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome appears on the GH¢1 banknote. She is recognised as the first Makola woman said to have opened a bank account with the then Standard Bank of West Africa, now known as Standard Chartered Bank.

GH¢2 – Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery.

The GH¢2 note honours Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery, a respected Catholic religious leader from Zimuopare (Ko), near Nandom in Ghana's Upper West Region.

His inclusion highlights the contributions of religious personalities to Ghana's national heritage.

GH¢5 – James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey.

James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey is featured on the GH¢5 banknote.

His recognition forms part of the Heritage Series' broader acknowledgement of personalities associated with Ghana's educational and historical development.

GH¢10 – Justice Annie Jiagge.

Justice Annie Jiagge appears on the GH¢10 denomination.

She is recognised as the first woman in Ghana and the Commonwealth of Nations to become a judge, making her one of the notable figures represented in the new currency series.

GH¢20 – Dr Ephraim Amu.

The GH¢20 banknote features Dr Ephraim Amu, a Ghanaian composer remembered for Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni.

His inclusion places Ghana's musical and cultural heritage among the achievements celebrated through the new banknote designs.

GH¢50 – Theodosia Salome Okoh.

Theodosia Salome Okoh, who designed Ghana's national flag, is honoured on the GH¢50 note.

Her appearance recognises her contribution to one of Ghana's most important national symbols.

GH¢100 – Kofi Annan.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan features on the GH¢100 banknote.

His inclusion reflects the international dimension of the Heritage Series, which acknowledges Ghanaian personalities whose contributions extended beyond the country's borders.

GH¢200 – Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, appears on the GH¢200 denomination.

Nkrumah is the only member of the Big Six retained in the new Heritage Series, although his portrait now appears individually rather than as part of the collective image associated with the existing banknotes.

New Currency Designs Move Away From the Big Six Portrait

One of the most notable changes in the Heritage Series is the departure from the familiar collective representation of the Big Six, whose images have been associated with Ghana's existing currency designs.

The Big Six became prominent during Ghana's struggle for independence after British colonial authorities arrested them in 1948 following disturbances in Accra.

While Dr Kwame Nkrumah remains represented on the new banknotes, the other five members do not appear in the newly unveiled series.

The decision to feature individual personalities introduces a different approach to recognising Ghana's historical figures, extending the representation beyond the country's independence movement.

Heritage Series Highlights Ghana's Diverse National Contributions

The Bank of Ghana's newly unveiled designs bring together personalities associated with several areas of national development.

From the pioneering role of Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome to the judicial achievements of Justice Annie Jiagge, the new notes recognise contributions from individuals whose work forms part of Ghana's historical identity.

The inclusion of Dr Ephraim Amu and Theodosia Salome Okoh also places Ghanaian music and national symbolism alongside political leadership, education, religion and international diplomacy.

With eight personalities represented across denominations ranging from GH¢1 to GH¢200, the Heritage Series presents a broader collection of individuals associated with Ghana's national story.

The unveiling on November 12, 2026, marks a new chapter in the visual representation of Ghana's heritage through its currency.

Source: Bank of Ghana's Heritage Series unveiling, Thursday, November 12, 2026, as described in the supplied report.

GhasaWeb News | Ghana.