Independence Day in Ghana
Independence Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 6th. It is an official state holiday in Ghana and is celebrated by the diaspora all across the world. It commemorates the heroes of Ghana who led the country to its independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
Ghana (Public holiday)One of the main ways this holiday is celebrated is through music, which is why there are musical events all over the country on this day. People also use this holiday to gather with friends and family members. Because it is a public holiday, government buildings and schools are closed, as are many businesses across the country.
The History of Independence Day in Ghana
Ghana was originally known as the Gold Coast because of its abundance of natural resources. It had a bounty of resources that included gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, and ivory. There were also a variety of cash crops and food crops that could be monetized. As a result, the area caught the attention of many European nations during the colonial period.
The Gold Coast was eventually taken over by the British, and the British renamed the area the British Gold Coast. Great Britain would maintain control of the area for a while, but after WWII, they began to reduce their control over the African colonies—the Gold Coast included.
A political party known as the United Gold Coast held a convention that called for independence in the shortest amount of time after the Gold Coast legislative election of 1947. On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast declared its independence from Britain, and not long after, they renamed the country Ghana.
Observing Independence Day in Ghana
This holiday is celebrated all across Ghana with parades, musical events, and other activities. It is a general day off for the population, and many government buildings, schools, and businesses are closed. A major event takes place at Black Star Square—a public square in Accra, Ghana. At this site, there is the Trooping of the Colour.
Ghana (Public holiday)
