By Emmanuel Bamfo 
Alumni of Achimota School across the country now carry ultimate bragging rights right inside their wallets! Motown has officially made national history as the only senior high school featured on Ghana’s newly unveiled Heritage Series cedi banknotes.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the fresh currency series at the Bank Square headquarters in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The iconic clock tower Administration Block of Achimota School proudly graces the reverse side of the brand new GH¢5 note.
According to Dominic Owusu, Head of Currency Management at the Bank of Ghana, choosing Achimota School was a deeply deliberate decision following extensive stakeholder consultations. The central bank design team wanted the landmark on the back of each banknote to link directly with the national hero on the front.
The front of the new GH¢5 note honors legendary Ghanaian educator Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey under the core national theme of education. Because Dr. Aggrey cofounded Achimota School alongside Sir Gordon Guggisberg and Reverend Alec Garden Fraser, featuring the historic campus creates complete visual and historical harmony.
Dominic Owusu explained that the central bank specifically sought a mixed school operating both primary and secondary departments to symbolize inclusive national learning for all citizens. Achimota opened its doors in 1927 as a pioneering coeducational institution, breaking gender barriers in Gold Coast education.
To reinforce this educational theme, the GH¢5 note also displays a traditional Adinkra symbol representing knowledge and lifelong learning. Even better, this historic national honour arrives just months before Achimota School celebrates its 100th centenary anniversary in 2027.
Beyond its famous clock tower appearing on the GH¢5 note, Achimota’s lasting influence runs across the entire Heritage Series. In a joint celebratory statement signed by Board Chair Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Headmaster Ebenezer Acquaah, and Old Achimotan Association President Joel Nettey, the school highlighted its deep ties to multiple banknote portraits.
Five influential figures connected to the institution appear across the new banknotes, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the GH¢200 note and national flag designer Theodosia Okoh on the GH¢50 note. Past student Justice Annie Jiagge graces the GH¢10 note, while former music master Dr. Ephraim Amu appears on the GH¢20 note.
The new GH¢5 banknotes enter public circulation on December 1, 2026, circulating alongside existing notes which remain legal tender. Honestly, every Akora in Ghana has earned full permission to smile every single time they spend five cedis!
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