Background
Ghanaians all over the world especially those in Ghana are marking the Independence Day celebration. 6th March is a significant day in the Ghanaian calendar because the defines the spirit of resilience, determination, courage and unity of the people.
Ghana prides herself as the Blackstar and the gateway to Africa. She was the first country to gain independence in sub-Saharan Africa. Achieving this feat didn’t come easy as many credit Dr Kwame Nkrumah for leading and playing a great role in securing the much-needed independence for Ghana and Africa.
Brief History
Ghana was colonized by the British in the late 19th century. She became a British colony in 1874. After the second world war, there was a political advocacy in Africa calling for self-government. In Gold Coast as it was called by then, a few political parties were formed. The first of this was the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947. Kwame Nkrumah, who was an active member, broke away from the UGCC and later formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The United Gold Coast Convention advocated for Self-Government within the shortest possible time while Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party championed ‘Self-Government now’.
The road to the independence saw mass mobilization, strikes, protest by the CPP which increased pressure on the colonial masters. The colonial masters in response to this gave an opportunity for limited self-government by organizing elections in 1951. These reforms made Kwame Nkrumah the Prime Minister.
Declaration of Independence
On 6th March 1957, Dr Kwame Nkrumah declared “At long last the battle has ended and thus Ghana our beloved country is free forever.” On this day, Ghana gained her freedom from colonial rule and Kwame Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana. This was marked with jubilation across the country.
Significance and Legacy
A lot of other nations took inspiration Ghana’s achievement in attaining self-rule and decided to embark on that journey. Nkrumah’s leadership emphasized Pan-Africanism and continental unity. He backed his vision with action by helping other Africans who were ready to deliver their nations from colonial rule.
On 6th March every, school children and the security agency march to mark this day. This year’s event marks the 68th celebration and it is under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset”