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About Ghana Independence Day

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About Ghana Independence Day

Ghana celebrates Independence Day on 6 March. On that day in 1957, Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule.

The day is marked with a national parade of students, the armed forces and civic groups, flag-raising across the country and cultural performances with drumming and dance.

Families and friends dress in kente and the red, gold and green of the flag, share jollof, waakye, kelewele and fufu, and Ghanaians around the world hold gatherings full of music and pride in the Black Star.

  • 6 March
  • Independence in 1957
  • First in sub-Saharan Africa

Where it began

Before independence, the land was the British colony of the Gold Coast. Over many years, leaders and ordinary people worked for self-rule, and Kwame Nkrumah led the final steps to freedom.

At midnight on 6 March 1957, Nkrumah declared that Ghana was free forever. The new country took its name from the old Ghana Empire of West Africa.

Schools march past full stands on Independence DayGhana

How it grew over time

  1. 1821 to 1874

    The Gold Coast came under British control.

  2. 1949

    Kwame Nkrumah founded the Convention People's Party to press for self-rule.

  3. 1957

    Ghana became independent on 6 March.

  4. 1960

    Ghana became a republic.

  5. Today

    The day is marked with a national parade and celebrations at home and abroad.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Accra

    The main parade takes place at Independence Square, with marching groups and flags.

  • Regions

    Schools and towns hold their own marches and cultural shows.

  • Ghanaians abroad

    Communities in the UK, US and Europe hold dinners, music and dance.

Ghana Independence Day moments

A school group leads its marchGhana
Cutting a flag cake at an Independence Day partyGhana
Kente cloth, worn with pride on the dayVolta Region, Ghana
Handwoven kente from the Volta RegionVolta Region, Ghana

Ghana Independence Day today

People wear the national colours of red, gold and green, and kente cloth is seen everywhere. Schoolchildren and security services march, and leaders give speeches.

Families share meals such as jollof rice and enjoy music late into the night.

How people celebrate Ghana Independence Day

  • National parades
  • Kente cloth and flag colours
  • Drumming and dancing
  • Jollof, waakye and kelewele
  • School march pasts
  • Diaspora celebrations

How to wish well

  • "Happy Independence Day, Ghana" and "Ayekoo" (well done) are warm greetings.
  • Messages about the Black Star, unity and freedom suit everyone.
  • Keep politics out of your wishes.

Questions about Ghana Independence Day

When is Ghana Independence Day?

On 6 March every year.

When did Ghana gain independence?

On 6 March 1957, the first sub-Saharan African country to do so.

What do the colours of the Ghana flag mean?

Red for those who gave their lives for independence, gold for the country's mineral wealth and green for its forests and farms. The black star stands for African freedom.

How is Ghana Independence Day celebrated?

With parades, flag-raising, drumming, dancing, kente cloth and family meals.

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