Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain her independence
Ghanaians will, today, March 6, 2025, hold celebratory activities to mark the country’s liberation from colonial rule nearly seven decades ago.
Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led the successful negotiations with the British colonial government and declared independence on March 6, 1957, became the first Prime Minister and later the first President of Ghana in 1960.
Unlike previous years, when grand ceremonies ignited the country’s historic Black Star Square and regional capitals, this year’s commemoration will be “modest” to cut costs, the government has said.
A parade will be held at the seat of government, where the President will address the nation to herald the celebrations.
This year’s celebration at the Presidency, on the theme: “Reflect, Review, Reseat,” will feature key activities such as a Military Guard of Honour to be reviewed by the President and a cultural performance by two groups of basic school pupils.
There will also be a poetry recital by a senior high school student.
Similar “modest” celebrations are expected to be held by Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Assemblies across the country.
Recent celebrations had been held on a rotational basis, mostly outside the capital, to engender inclusiveness and decentralization – but the rotational policy has been reversed by the government as part of measures to cut expenditure.
Although the day is observed on March 6, it will be a month-long celebration with a raft of institutional activities aimed at invoking the spirit of nationalism, patriotism, unity, resilience, and pride in being Ghanaian.
Sixty-eight years ago, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the leader of Ghana’s independence movement, declared the country “free forever” before a joyous crowd gathered at the old polo grounds in Accra.
He declared: “Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever. We have awakened. We shall no more go back to sleep anymore. Today, from now on, there is a new African in the world. This new African is capable of managing his own affairs.”
He also announced Ghana’s frontline role in the African liberation movement with the profound statement: “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of the African continent.”
A new flag for the sovereign nation was hoisted at midnight in 1957. The colours of the flag are red, representing the blood shed in the struggle for independence; yellow, symbolizing gold and prosperity; green, signifying the country’s lush vegetation and natural wealth; and a black star in the middle, representing the African identity and hope for African unity and liberation.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
