Presidential Staffer and Board Member of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Beatrice Annan, has clarified that the portrait on the new GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote is that of Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh, designer of Ghana’s national flag.
She shared the Bank of Ghana’s explanation following discussions on social media over the appearance of the portrait on the newly introduced banknote.
In the statement she posted, the Bank said the portrait was an engraved artistic rendering rather than an ordinary photograph, designed to meet the technical requirements of banknote printing and security.
“A banknote portrait is not an ordinary photograph. It is an engraved artistic rendering created to meet the strict technical requirements of banknote printing. It must be sharp, well lit and rich in fine detail so that it can be engraved, reproduced in raised print and incorporate the security features that protect the note against counterfeiting,” it stated.
It explained that three authentic photographs of Mrs Okoh, including two from her younger years and one from later life, were used to develop a single portrait depicting her as a mature woman while maintaining her family resemblance.
The Bank further disclosed that adjustments were made to her hairstyle to reflect the family’s preferred style and provide a clear outline suitable for engraving.
According to the Bank, the process was aimed at producing a bold, clear and dignified image that reflects Mrs Okoh’s significant contribution to Ghana’s history.
“The aim throughout was to produce a bold, clear and dignified image worthy of her place in our history. The result is the portrait featured on the GH¢50 Heritage Series banknote,” it explained.
It added that it was engaging the family to explain the processes involved in developing the portrait and address the concerns surrounding its appearance.
“The Bank is engaging her family to explain the careful work that went into creating the portrait and resolve the issue,” the statement read.
