The Management of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has proposed that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) replace the image of the Big Six on selected banknote denominations with the iconic photograph of Ghana’s independence declaration on March 6, 1957.
The proposal, announced in a press release issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, and signed by the Acting Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, PhD forms part of efforts to broaden the historical representation of Ghana’s national identity and heritage on its currency.
According to the Memorial Park, the proposed change would provide an opportunity to feature one of the most defining moments in Ghana’s history, when the country attained independence from British colonial rule under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The Park explained that although the Big Six played significant roles in Ghana’s independence struggle and deserves lasting recognition, the country’s banknotes could also reflect other important personalities, events and milestones that have shaped its national history.
It noted that the image of the Big Six currently appears on almost all Ghanaian banknotes, making it necessary to consider a broader representation of the country’s historical experiences.
The Management believes the iconic photograph of Dr Nkrumah declaring Ghana’s independence would serve as a fitting addition to the imagery on the national currency.
The proposal, according to the Memorial Park, is consistent with the Bank of Ghana’s proposed introduction of a Heritage Series of banknotes, which is expected to provide an opportunity to celebrate significant personalities, historical events and milestones in Ghana’s development.
It argued that currency should be viewed beyond its traditional function as a medium of exchange, describing banknotes as important instruments for promoting national identity, heritage and collective memory.
The Park maintained that the images featured on Ghana’s currency should reflect the country’s historical journey and remind citizens of the sacrifices, struggles and achievements that have shaped the nation.
It further described the March 6, 1957 independence declaration photograph as a powerful representation of Ghana’s freedom, sovereignty and national identity.
According to the statement, the historic moment marked the culmination of the country’s independence struggle and a significant turning point in the wider African liberation movement.
It added that Ghana’s attainment of independence and emergence as a sovereign nation remains one of the most consequential events in the country’s history, deserving prominent and enduring recognition.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park considers the proposal particularly timely as Ghana prepares to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its independence in 2027.
It believes featuring the iconic photograph on selected banknote denominations would provide a lasting tribute to the historic event and reinforce public appreciation of the country’s independence journey.
The Management, therefore, urged that the photograph be considered as part of the proposed changes to Ghana’s banknote designs.
“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 emphasised.
The proposal now places the question of how Ghana’s historical milestones should be represented on its national currency before the Bank of Ghana, particularly as discussions surrounding the proposed Heritage Series continue.
If adopted, the recommendation would offer another visual representation of Ghana’s independence story alongside the historical contributions of the Big Six.
By 1960news.com
