Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Mahama government over what he describes as the use of an incorrect image of Theodosia Salome Okoh on the newly introduced GH¢50 banknote.
He questioned the care taken in choosing the photograph, saying the alleged mistake raised doubts about the government’s capacity to manage the economy.
His remarks followed the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Speaking to journalists after the presentation, Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the government of hastily removing images of the Big Six from Ghana’s currency. He said this had led to what he called a misrepresentation of Theodosia Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag.
“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.
He asked how a government unable to ensure that the correct image appeared on the currency could be trusted to manage the economy.
“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 note is among the Bank of Ghana’s newly launched Heritage Series, which features eight notable Ghanaian figures, historical sites and traditional symbols in celebration of the country’s history and cultural identity.
The note is dedicated to national identity, freedom and self-determination, and honours Theodosia Salome Okoh, whose portrait is displayed on the front. It also bears the Adinkra symbol Fawohodie, which signifies freedom and independence, while the Jubilee House is shown on the reverse.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the eight denominations on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Each note reflects a different aspect of Ghanaian society, including commerce, religious diversity, education, justice, culture, freedom, international peace and national sovereignty.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would carefully review the 2027 Budget before sharing its full assessment with the public.
“The Minority will critically examine the Budget Statement as presented. After the budget workshop, we will deliver a comprehensive critique of our views and show Ghanaians that this National Democratic Congress government is a government of slogans,” he said.
