Achimota School has welcomed its recognition on Ghana’s newly unveiled Cedi Heritage Series banknotes, describing the honour as a powerful affirmation of the institution’s enduring contribution to the country’s educational, political and cultural development.
In a statement jointly issued by its Governing Board, Management, Staff, Students and the Old Achimotan Association (OAA), the school expressed pride in seeing its historic connections represented on the redesigned national currency. The recognition comes as the institution prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, marking a century of academic excellence and national influence.
The Bank of Ghana unveiled the upgraded banknotes on November 12, 2026, at a ceremony in Accra attended by President John Dramani Mahama and other dignitaries. The new series, which highlights prominent Ghanaian personalities, historic landmarks and cultural symbols, is scheduled to enter circulation on December 1, 2026.
Achimota School’s iconic Administration Block features on the reverse of the GH¢5 denomination, which carries the portrait of its founding figure, Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey. The school described the development as a moment of immense pride, declaring:“It reinforces the fact that Achimota’s story is deeply woven into the story of Ghana.”
Achimota’s Founding Vision Finds Place in National Currency
Established in Accra in 1927 as the Prince of Wales College, Achimota School was founded to provide comprehensive education and character development for young people in the Gold Coast.
Its establishment was driven by the educational vision of then Governor of the Gold Coast, Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg, alongside Reverend Alexander Garden Fraser and Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey.
Dr. Aggrey, an influential educator and intellectual, championed educational opportunities for Africans, particularly women, and played a significant role in shaping the institution’s founding philosophy.
His portrait on the new GH¢5 note, alongside the school’s iconic Administration Block, places the institution’s educational heritage within the country’s broader national story.
According to the Old Achimotan Association’s historical account, the college formally opened in 1927 with its lower and upper primary departments before expanding to include secondary and university departments in 1929.
Five Prominent Achimotans Featured Across the Heritage Series
Beyond the school’s architectural recognition, the statement highlighted five distinguished personalities whose contributions to Ghana are represented across different denominations.
They include Ghana’s first President, Akora Dr Kwame Nkrumah, whose political leadership and role in the country’s independence struggle remain significant to its history. He features on the GH¢200 note.
Also recognised is Akora Ephraim Amu, a distinguished teacher at Achimota whose influence on Ghanaian music, cultural expression and education earned him a place on the GH¢20 denomination.
The GH¢50 note features Akora Theodosia Salome Okoh, an accomplished old student of the institution who designed Ghana’s national flag, while the GH¢10 note honours Akora Annie Baeta-Jiagge, the pioneering Ghanaian jurist and women’s rights advocate.
Dr Aggrey completes the group of five, appearing on the GH¢5 note. Together, these personalities represent contributions spanning education, political leadership, music, national identity and the advancement of women’s rights.
Recognition Adds Meaning to Achimota’s 100th Anniversary
For Achimota, the recognition carries significance beyond the appearance of its name and architectural landmark on the national currency. The school considers the development an acknowledgement of the generations of students, educators and leaders whose work has helped shape Ghana’s development.
The Governing Board and school management noted that the upcoming centenary celebrations would provide an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements and its continuing influence on national life.
“It is a fitting tribute to a century of shaping minds, nurturing leaders and contributing to the progress of our nation.”
Statement issued by the Governing Board and Management of the Achimota School
The school further extended an invitation to old students, stakeholders and well-wishers to participate in celebrating the milestone, describing its history as a legacy belonging not only to the Achimota community but to Ghana as a whole.
The statement was endorsed by Akora Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Chairman of the Achimota Governing Board; Ebenezer G. Acquaah, Headmaster of Achimota School; and Akora Joel E. Nettey, President of the Old Achimotan Association.
As the institution approaches its centenary, its appearance on the Cedi Heritage Series offers a symbolic connection between its past achievements and Ghana’s evolving national identity.
For the Achimota community, the message is unmistakable: a century of educational influence deserves recognition that extends beyond the school gates.As its statement concluded: “A hundred years of excellence. A legacy beyond generations. An indelible mark on Ghana. Akoras, Yenko!”
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