UN Hails Kofi Annan’s Place on New GH¢100 Note as Tribute to Ghana’s Global Legacy

The United Nations in Ghana has welcomed the appearance of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Bank of Ghana’s newly introduced GH¢100 banknote, calling it a fitting recognition of a Ghanaian whose influence transcended national borders and whose legacy continues to shape global diplomacy.

In a statement issued Thursday, November 12, 2026, and signed by UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana Zia Choudhury, the world body described the honour as an opportunity to inspire younger generations to embrace the values that defined Annan’s leadership.

“His recognition on Ghana’s national currency is a fitting tribute to a distinguished son of Ghana whose contributions transcended national boundaries,” the statement said .

A Life of Service

Kofi Atta Annan, born in Kumasi in 1938, served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006—the first to rise from the ranks of UN staff to lead the organisation . His tenure was marked by a sweeping reform agenda, a fierce commitment to human rights, and a landmark partnership with the private sector through the Global Compact.

In 2001, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize jointly to the United Nations and Annan “for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world,” citing his efforts to revitalise the UN, prioritise human rights, and confront the spread of HIV in Africa . Annan died in 2018 at the age of 80.

The Note’s Design

The GH¢100 denomination, which highlights Ghana’s contribution to international peace and diplomacy, features Annan’s portrait on the front. The reverse side depicts the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the Accra-based institution established in 1998 and commissioned in 2004 to share Ghana’s decades of peacekeeping experience with the wider ECOWAS region and Africa .

The note also incorporates the Adinkra symbol Bi Nka Bi, which represents peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of conflict—a fitting motif for a diplomat whose career was devoted to dialogue over confrontation .

The KAIPTC itself has trained more than 34,000 personnel from military, police, and civilian backgrounds, and is recognised as one of Africa’s foremost peace and security training institutions .

Heritage Series Launched

The GH¢100 note forms part of the Bank of Ghana’s new Heritage Series, unveiled by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 12, at Bank Square in Accra. The series comprises eight denominations celebrating prominent Ghanaian personalities, historical landmarks, and traditional symbols, with each note reflecting a different facet of national identity—from commerce and education to justice, culture, and sovereignty .

Speaking at the launch, President Mahama said the figures and symbols featured on the notes would bring Ghana’s history closer to younger generations and deepen their appreciation of the country’s heritage .

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama said the Heritage Series incorporates enhanced security features and more durable materials, designed to strengthen protection against counterfeiting and extend the lifespan of notes in circulation. The new notes are scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026, alongside existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender .

A Legacy Beyond Currency

For the United Nations, the tribute is personal. Annan’s leadership left what the organisation described as “an enduring mark” on the UN and the global community, and his commitment to multilateralism remains a guiding principle for the institution he once led .

The UN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the values embodied in Annan’s legacy—integrity, service, dialogue, and global solidarity—and to working with Ghana towards a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world .

As Ghana’s new currency enters circulation, the GH¢100 note will carry more than Annan’s likeness. It will carry the story of a boy from Kumasi who became the world’s top diplomat—and a reminder, as the UN put it, that Ghana’s contributions to peace have never been confined to its borders.