In haste to remove the Big Six, NDC used wrong image of Theodosia Okoh on new GH¢50 note — Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the government's decision to feature what he alleges is an incorrect photograph of Theodosia Salome Okoh on the newly introduced GH¢50 banknote.

He criticised the process used to select the image, arguing that the alleged error reflected a lack of attention to detail within the government and raised doubts about its capacity to manage the economy.

His remarks followed the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on Thursday, November 12.

Speaking to journalists after the presentation, Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the Mahama administration of rushing to remove the portraits of the Big Six from Ghana's currency, resulting in what he described as a misrepresentation of the designer of the nationaflal g.

“They were in haste to erase the Big Six from our currency and our history. Out of that haste and hate, we saw them outdooring a note bearing the name of Theodosia Okoh, but they got her picture wrong and placed a different face on the GH¢50 note,” he said.

The Minority Leader questioned the government's ability to handle broader economic responsibilities if it could not ensure that the correct portrait was used on the new currency.

“So a whole government machinery that cannot be diligent enough to get the right picture to put on our currency, how can we trust them with our economy? Can we trust them to put money in our pockets?” he asked.

The GH¢50 denomination forms part of the Bank of Ghana's newly introduced Heritage Series, which features eight prominent Ghanaian personalities, historical sites and traditional symbols intended to reflect the country's history and cultural identity.

The note celebrates national identity, freedom and self-determination, with Theodosia Salome Okoh's portrait featured on the front. It also carries the Adinkra symbol Fawohodie, which represents freedom and independence, while the Jubilee House is depicted on the reverse.

President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the eight denominations on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Each note highlights a different aspect of Ghanaian life and history, including commerce, religious diversity, education, justice, culture, freedom, international peace and national sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would conduct a thorough assessment of the 2027 Budget before presenting its position to the public.

He said the caucus would use its post-budget workshop to examine the government's proposals and communicate its concerns to Ghanaians.

“The Minority is going to do a critical examination of the Budget Statement as presented, and after the budget workshop, we will come out with a full critique of our views and let Ghanaians know that this National Democratic Congress government is a sloganeering government,” he said.