Independence Day (Ghana)

Independence Day is an official state holiday celebrated by the Ghanaians and the Ghanaian diaspora, which is celebrated on March 6 every year. Independence Day marks the declaration of independence from British colonial rule, by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah on 6 March 1957.[1] Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from British colonial rule.[2] If Independence Day falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be observed as a holiday.[3]

Independence Day
Ghana's 50th anniversary parade in 2007.
Also calledNational Day
Observed byGhana, Ghanaian diaspora
TypeNational.
SignificanceIndependence from British colonial rule in 1957.
DateMarch 6
FrequencyAnnual

Background

Ghana formerly known as the Gold Coast had many natural resources such as gold and ivory which enticed the Europeans. Many controversies arose among the European countries as to who should take charge of the Gold Coast due to its rich natural resources. In 1874, the British took control over parts of Gold coast[4]although the Portuguese were the first to settle at Elmina in the Gold Coast in 1482[5]. After the British control, Gold Coast was named the British Gold Coast . After the World War II, British reduced its control over its colonies in Africa including the Gold Coast. The United Gold Coast convention pioneered the call for independence within the shortest possible time after the Gold Coast legislative election in 1947. Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was elected the leader of the Gold Coast government in 1952 after he won the Gold Coast legislative election in 1951. Led by the big six, the Gold Coast declared its independence from the British on 6 March 1957. The Gold Coast was named Ghana[6].

Celebration History
Year Theme Venue
2013 Investing in The Youth For Ghana's Transformation[7] Independence Square (Accra)
2014 Building a Better and Prosperous Ghana through patriotism and National Unity[7] Independence Square (Accra)
2015 Achieving Transformation Through National Unity[8] Independence Square (Accra)
2016 Investing in the Youth for Ghana's Transformation[7] Independence Square(Accra)
2017 Mobilizing for Ghana's Future[9] Independence Square (Accra)
2018 Ghana Beyond Aid[10] Independence Square (Accra)
2019 Celebrating Peace and Unity[11][11] Aliu Mahama Stadium (Tamale)
2020 Consolidating our Gain[12][13] Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi)

The Independence Day was celebrated for the first time outside Accra in Tamale and Kumasi.[14][15] In 1957, the independence celebrations were attended by Martin Luther King Jr., President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.[16][17] The Bagad Lann Bihoue of the French Navy took part in the 60th anniversary celebrations.[18]

Parade

Black Star Square is a site for Ghana's Independence Day parade, particularly the Trooping of the Colour aspect derived from the British era. A notable parade was the Golden Jubilee (celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence), which was led by President John Kufuor.[19][20] In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II, who until the year before was the Queen of Ghana, attended the parade as the British sovereign and took part in the inspection tour with President Nkrumah.[21]

See also

References
  1. "5 Things To Know About Ghana's Independence Day". Africa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-10. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  2. "Ghanian Independence Day 2019". officeholidays.com. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  3. "On This Day" BBC
  4. Ghana Independence Day 2020, retrieved 2020-08-04
  5. "History of Ghana". mobile.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2020-08-04.
  6. "Celebrating independence day in Ghana". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-03-06. Retrieved 2020-08-04.
  7. "Ghana's 59th Independence Day Parade in pictures". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  8. Ghana, News. "2015 Ghana Independence Commemoration". Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  9. "Ghana celebrates 60 years of independence today". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. 2017-03-06. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  10. "Photos from Independence Day celebrations nationwide". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. 2018-03-06. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  11. "Ghana marks 62nd Independence day outside Accra for the first time – Public Records And Archives Administration Department". Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  12. "63rd Independence day parade to be held in Ashanti Region". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana, Current Affairs, Business News , Headlines, Ghana Sports, Entertainment, Politics,. 2020-02-04. Retrieved 2020-03-06.CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  13. "Today is Independence Day". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  14. "Ghana makes history as it marks 62nd Independence Day at a venue outside Accra for the first time". www.pulse.com.gh. 2019-03-06. Retrieved 2020-03-14.
  15. "Kumasi ready to host 63rd Independence Day Parade as preparations shape up". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2020-03-03. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
  16. https://qz.com/africa/1813868/how-ghanas-independence-day-inspired-martin-luther-king-jr/amp/
  17. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/ghana-trip
  18. https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Veep-and-the-French-Ambassador-welcome-the-French-Navy-Pipe-Band-526847
  19. Lentz, Carola (2013-09-16). "Ghana@50. Celebrating the Nation. Debating the Nation". Cahiers d'études africaines. 53 (211): 519–546. doi:10.4000/etudesafricaines.17405. ISSN 0008-0055.
  20. "Ghana celebrates 50 years that changed Africa". Reuters. 2007-03-06. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  21. https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/ghana-to-gambia-monument-in-middle-of-black-star-square-news-footage/828510362?adppopup=true


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