The Tragic end of the icon on Ghana's fifty Peswas Coin

 The Tragic End of the Woman on Ghana’s 50 Pesewas Coin

Photo of Rebecca Naa Dedei.

Today is exactly 65 years that Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey the woman on Ghana's 50 pesewas died after allegedly being poisoned....let's dive into her story

Many Ghanaians carry the 50 pesewas coin in their pockets every day, but few truly know the powerful story behind the woman whose face appears on it  Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey.

Born around 1923, Naa Dedei Aryeetey, popularly known as Dedei Ashikishan, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential women in the history of Ghana’s independence struggle.

In an era when women were rarely recognized in politics, she built a thriving flour business empire in Accra. Her success earned her the nickname “The Flour Queen.” The name "Ashikishan" itself means wheat flour in the Ga language.

However, her greatest legacy was not just business : it was patriotism.

When Kwame Nkrumah founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to fight for self-government, Naa Dedei Aryeetey became one of his strongest pillars. She used her wealth, influence, and courage to support the movement when resources were scarce.

She financed the CPP, helped fund Nkrumah’s campaign for the Ashiedu Keteke legislative seat, and mobilized thousands of market women in Accra to vote massively for the party. Her leadership among traders earned her the reputation as the “Queen of the Market Women.”So great was her influence but sadly, the story of this brave woman ended in tragedy.

On 22 June 1961, during a CPP function in Ho in the Volta Region, Naa Dedei Aryeetey suddenly collapsed after reportedly drinking tea or eating food at the event. Many accounts say she had been poisoned by political opponents who feared her growing influence.

She died that day at only 38 years old. Her death was a painful blow to the independence movement, and it is said that Kwame Nkrumah himself was deeply devastated by the loss of a loyal supporter and friend.

Today, Ghana remembers her quietly through the 50 pesewas coin, introduced during the 2007 currency redenomination. Yet many still do not know the sacrifice and courage of the woman behind that image.

Anytime you hold a 50 pesewas coin, remember that it carries the face of a woman who used her wealth, influence, and life itself to help Ghana become free.

A true patriot, A fearless woman,



A forgotten heroine.

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