The United Nations in Ghana has welcomed the recognition of the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, and signed by the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Zia Choudhury, the UN described Annan’s inclusion as a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of Ghana whose contributions transcended national boundaries.
“The United Nations in Ghana welcomes the recognition of the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, through his inclusion in Ghana’s new Heritage Series banknotes, launched by the Bank of Ghana today, 12 November 2026,” the statement said.
Annan features on the turquoise GH₵100 note, under the theme Peace. The reverse of the note features the Kofi Annan Internati onal Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, with the Adinkra symbol *Bi Nka Bi*.
Background: Who Was Kofi Annan?
Kofi Annan (1938-2018) was born in Kumasi and became one of Ghana’s most celebrated figures on the global stage.
He served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006* — the first Black African to hold the position.
During his tenure, he led major reforms at the UN, championed human rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the Millennium Development Goals, and was a leading voice for peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Africa and beyond.
In 2001, Annan and the United Nations jointly won the *Nobel Peace Prize* for their work for a better organised and more peaceful world.
After leaving the UN, he continued his peace work through the Kofi Annan Foundation, mediating in crises in Kenya, Syria, Myanmar and elsewhere until his death on August 18, 2018, in Bern, Switzerland. He was buried with full honours in Accra.
The UN in Ghana said Annan “dedicated his life to advancing peace, human rights, sustainable development and international cooperation,” and that his “leadership, vision and commitment to multilateralism left an enduring mark on the United Nations and the global community.”
“It is also an opportunity to inspire future generations to embrace the values of integrity, service, dialogue and global solidarity that defined his leadership,” the statement added.
The Heritage Series
President John Dramani Mahama officially unveiled the Heritage Series at the Bank of Ghana’s Bank Square headquarters in Accra on Thursday, November 12.
The new series replaces the collective portrait of the Big Six that has featured on Ghana’s notes for nearly two decades. Instead, each of the eight denominations now carries its own individual figure:
– *GH₵1 –* Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome (Commerce)
– *GH₵2 –* Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery (Religious Freedom)
– *GH₵5 –* Dr J.E.K. Aggrey (Education)
– *GH₵10 –* Justice Annie Jiagge (Justice)
– *GH₵20 –* Dr Ephraim Amu (Culture)
– *GH₵50 –* Theodosia Salome Okoh (Identity)
– *GH₵100 –* Kofi Annan (Peace)
– *GH₵200 –* Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Sovereignty)
The notes are expected to *enter circulation on 1 December 2026* and will circulate alongside the existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender.
The Bank of Ghana says the series is intended to bring national history and cultural identity into everyday transactions, while improving security and durability.
The UN in Ghana said it remains committed to advancing Annan’s values and working with Ghana towards “a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world.”
