The Bank of Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes are more than a currency upgrade, they are a portable gallery of Ghanaian history.
Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama says the notes were designed to last longer, improve security and make everyday transactions more convenient, with enhanced features to guard against counterfeiting and help the public spot genuine notes.
Built to withstand Ghana’s climate and frequent handling, the smaller notes are easier to carry and use. African symbols woven into the designs aim to deepen national pride, while each denomination tells a story through national heroes, historic sites and cultural symbols, linking the country’s past to its present identity.
GH¢1 — Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome: The story starts with commerce and the age of cowrie trading. “Auntie Oforiwa” was a resourceful market woman and textile trader remembered for bankrolling Ghana’s independence struggle.
Trading from the 1920s, she became one of the country’s most respected traders by the 1940s and is credited as the first Makola woman to open a bank account, with Standard Bank of West Africa, now Standard Chartered.
Her example encouraged other traders to trust formal banking. The back shows Makola Market, the heart of Accra’s market-women tradition.
GH¢2 — Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery: The religious angle. Archbishop of Tamale from 1974 to 1994, he was made a Cardinal in 2006 and is celebrated for bringing Ghanaian culture and language into Catholic worship.
The back features Larabanga Mosque, the oldest of Ghana’s eight ancient mosques and a pilgrimage site known as the “Mecca of West Africa”, with the Adinkra Nyamedua symbol.
GH¢5 — Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey: Education. The “Father of African Education” was an intellectual, teacher, missionary and Pan-Africanist.
The back shows Achimota School and an Adinkra symbol for education, innovation and creativity.
GH¢10 — Justice Annie Jiagge: Justice. The note honours women’s trailblazing role in the judiciary.
Jiagge was Ghana’s first female judge and the second woman in the British Commonwealth to hold a judicial position, later serving as President of the Court of Appeal and the first African President of the World YWCA.
The back features the Supreme Court building.
GH¢20 — Dr. Ephraim Amu: Culture and music. The composer of Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni returns to the currency after appearing on the old ¢20,000 note (2002–2007).
The back features the National Theatre.
GH¢50 — Theodosia Okoh: National identity. The designer of the Ghana flag is honoured, with Jubilee House and a nationalism Adinkra symbol on the back.
GH¢100 — Kofi Annan: Global statesmanship. The seventh UN Secretary-General was the first Black African and first career UN staffer to lead the organisation.
The back features the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre and the peace Adinkra symbol.
GH¢200 — Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: Independence. The founding leader led Ghana to become the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence in 1957.
The back features the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Adinkrahene symbol.