A Catholic priest, Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has shared a post defending Ghana’s decision to feature the late Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery on the GH¢2 heritage banknote, arguing that the country has done nothing unusual by honouring a prominent religious figure on its currency.
The post, originally shared by John Patrick Tindana, highlighted examples of other countries that have featured religious leaders and saints on their banknotes and coins.
According to the post, the Catholic Church in Ghana is blessed to have Cardinal Dery recognised on the heritage banknote, describing the honour as a fitting tribute to his contributions and legacy.
It further noted that the Cardinal’s family had welcomed the recognition bestowed on their late relative.
The post also criticised concerns raised by some religious individuals over the possibility that money bearing the image of the revered clergyman could be used in undignified situations. Reacting to the concerns, Tindana said, “I laughed when some over-religious people expressed reservations about this on the basis that this money with the image of the revered prelate may be used in some undignified situations.”
Citing examples of other countries, Tindana pointed to Vatican City, noting that “The Vatican euro coins traditionally bear the effigy of the reigning Pope. Older Vatican lira banknotes also depicted popes and Catholic saints.”
He further cited Peru, where “The 200 nuevos soles banknote features Saint Rose of Lima, the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church.”
It also cited Peru, whose 200 nuevos soles banknote features Saint Rose of Lima, the first person born in the Americas to be canonised by the Catholic Church.
Other examples included Paraguay, whose 100,000 guaraníes note honours Saint Roque González de Santa Cruz; Armenia, whose 50,000 dram banknote depicts Saint Gregory the Illuminator; and Bulgaria, whose one-lev note features Saint Ivan of Rila.
The post further referenced Ukraine, which features Saint Vladimir of Kyiv on its one-hryvnia banknote, and Poland, whose 50-zloty commemorative banknote honours Pope John Paul II.
Concluding the argument, Tindana maintained that Ghana had neither done anything unusual nor committed a sin by featuring Cardinal Dery on the banknote.
“So, you see, Ghana has neither done anything strange nor committed any sin by having the image of Cardinal Dery on our banknote. See the brighter side,” the post stated.
