Let’s celebrate the rich and powerful story of Ghana’s independence on March 6 by discovering the rich history of the first Sub-Saharan African country to become independent from colonial rule.
When Ghana gained its independence in 1957 it inspired a wave of independence movements across the continent, and by 1960 there were already 17 African countries that had gained independence.
The road to independence
As Kwame Nkrumah became Ghana’s first president in 1957, a socialist and pan-Africanist, he spoke in Accra at the old colonial polo grounds, that a ‘new African is ready to fight his own battles and show that after all, the black man is capable of managing his own affairs’.
After the second world war the colonial countries were weakened and African independence movements grew stronger, and in 1945 the Pan-African Congress in Manchester became a big inspiration to Nkrumah, who later invited its organiser George Padmore to become his advisor.
1948 was a key year in Ghana’s independence, as war veterans marched to hand in a petition for the end of war benefits they were promised. During their protest colonial police shot and killed the veterans. This sparked a wave of major riots against colonial institutions and set the stage for founding and rise of Kwama Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party (CPP) .
Around this time, many of the CPPs leaders were imprisoned on charges related to protest against colonial rule, in the process gaining a hero-like status among many Ghanaians. By 1951 many of the leaders were released from prison, and in the elections of that year the party gained a huge influence winning 35 of 38 seats with the slogan ‘Self-governance now!’.
Nkrumah himself won his seat standing for election while still in prison, but was freed on 9 February 1951 by the British governor Charles Arden-Clarke, becoming leader of government business on the same day. For the next six years, Arden-Clarke and Nkrumah worked together to prepare the Gold Coast for independence, which Ghana achieved on 6 March 1957.
The Ghana flag
Ghana’s flag uses the Pan-African colours of red, yellow, green and black, taken from Ethiopia’s flag that has come to represent the ideology due to its history of resisting conquest by colonial powers. Red, yellow and green can today be found on the flags of many African countries, inspired by Pan-African beliefs.
Ghana’s history
Located in West Africa between Togo and Ivory Coast, the word Ghana comes from the native Soninke language. The empire of Ghana was formed in 300 AD when diverse tribes of Soninke people were united by the king Dinga Cisse. In 1471 Portuguese traders came to modern-day Ghana, and in 1874 it was officially named a British colony.
The British renamed the country ‘Gold Coast’ as gold, cocoa formed large sectors of the country’s economy. From its independence onward Ghana was one of Africa’s more diverse economies, and though recently it has faced serious economic challenges, it remains the second largest producer of cocoa globally and Africa’s second biggest producer of gold.
Life in Ghana today
In 2022, Ghana became a member of the United Nations Security Council and chaired the Economic Community of West African States. Despite a relative political turbulence in the 20th century, Ghana was ranked the second most peaceful country in Africa in 2021. Despite its economy rich in resources, Ghana still faces challenges to its crop production caused by climate change.
Community projects: part of the climate solution
One of our key partners Ghana Permaculture Institute is working to build a sustainable future for farmers and beyond in the face of climate threats, using a number of community rooted approaches to business and agriculture.
- High-value crop production including Moringa, Citronella and Lemongrass are grown using permaculture principles and processed into essential oils for the market.
- Tree nurseries help to restore the soil and prevent encroachment of the Savannah and desertification caused by monoculture farming, over-plowing and logging.
- Bee Keeping projects produce honey, wax and propolis whilst supporting a crucial insect in our ecosystem that helps to maintain plant biodiversity.
How you can make a difference
Ghana’s powerful independence story has shown us what community action can achieve in making powerful social changes. There are many things that we can do as a global community to support the struggle of Ghanaian farmers against climate change.
- Support Ghanaian projects such as our moringa initiative Ghana Permaculture Institute.
- Support conversation initiatives that help prevent desertification and expansion of the Savannah threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
- Educate and share knowledge about Ghana’s history and present to support the development of sustainable farming and local businesses.
Join our community
Join our community dedicated to sustainable future, community solutions and honouring the legacy of Ghana’s independence. Follow us on social media for updates and inspiring stories.
Participate in live community engagement sessions and sign up for our email newsletter to stay informed and inspired. Let’s work together to protect communities, planet and sustainable development.
Together, let’s make a difference and celebrate the beauty and resilience of African nations and our planet. Happy Ghana Independence Day!
