The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to feature the iconic photograph of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, declaring independence on March 6, 1957, on selected cedi denominations.
The proposal comes as Ghana prepares to celebrate 70 years of independence in 2027 and follows the central bank’s launch of its redesigned Heritage Series banknotes on November 3, 2026.
In a press statement issued on November 6, the Memorial Park acknowledged the important contributions of the Big Six to Ghana’s independence struggle but argued that the country’s currency should reflect other defining moments in its history.
It believes the photograph capturing Nkrumah’s declaration of independence represents a landmark event that deserves greater recognition on the national currency.
The Park described the moment as the culmination of Ghana’s struggle against colonial rule and a turning point that established the country as a sovereign nation.
It also highlighted the photograph’s wider historical significance, noting Ghana’s influence on the broader African liberation movement.
The call follows the Bank of Ghana’s introduction of redesigned banknotes under its Heritage Series initiative. The central bank has said the new notes are intended to showcase Ghana’s history, culture and national identity while featuring improved security measures and greater durability.
The Memorial Park believes the redesign offers an opportunity to broaden the historical figures and events represented on the country’s currency.
According to the institution, banknotes should serve a purpose beyond financial transactions by reflecting a nation’s identity, heritage and collective memory.
It argued that the image of the Big Six, which currently appears on the front of Ghana’s banknotes, should not be the only major representation of the country’s independence history.
The Big Six comprised Kwame Nkrumah, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, William Ofori Atta and Edward Akufo-Addo. They were prominent leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) who became central figures in the independence movement.
The Memorial Park is therefore proposing that the historic photograph of Nkrumah announcing Ghana’s independence be included on selected banknote denominations.
“Our currency should not merely facilitate transactions; it should tell our national story. And there is no story more fundamental to modern Ghana than the moment we became free,” the statement said.
The institution further described March 6, 1957, as an enduring symbol of Ghana’s freedom, sovereignty and national identity.
Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on that date, becoming the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from a European colonial power.
As preparations begin for the 70th anniversary celebrations in 2027, the Memorial Park believes featuring the photograph on selected cedi notes would provide a fitting tribute to the historic occasion and preserve its significance for future generations.
The statement was signed by Dr Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, Acting Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
