Former Gold Coast, now Ghana is today, March 6, celebrating its 65th anniversary after attaining independence in 1957 from the British.

The achievements chalked so far by the country would not have been possible if not for the efforts of the founding fathers of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), popularly known as the “Big Six.”

They are; Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori-Atta.

In August 1947, they laid the foundation for the Gold Coast’s struggle for Independence. 

The Past – Ghana’s freedom

Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was the first Prime Minister of Ghana. In his speech to Ghanaians on Independence Day, he said: “At long last, the battle has ended!  And thus, Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!”

He did not end there but further noted that “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”

Ghana is represented globally by its Red, Gold, Green and Black Star flag. It was designed by the late Theodosia Salome Okoh. The Red – symbolises the blood of the forefathers who led the fight into independence. Gold stands for the country’s minerals while the colour Green signifies Ghana’s natural wealth in terms of vegetation cover.

The five-pointed black star at the centre shows the Hope for Africa to attain liberation. Previously, Gold Coast had been using the blue ensign of the British colony as its flag.