The Little-Known History of Ghana’s Founders’ Day
If you’ve visited Ghana, you might have been lucky enough to celebrate Founders’ Day with the locals. Or perhaps you were even lucky enough to have celebrated it yourself when in Ghana as a Ghanaian! But what exactly is Founders’ Day? How did it come about? And how has it evolved over time? Let’s find out!
Foundation
On March 6th, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. The holiday commemorates the day that the Gold Coast colony was founded by the British in 1867.
However, it wasn’t until 1974 that Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah declared March 6 a national holiday.
In recent years, the holiday has taken on a new meaning as a day to celebrate Ghana’s rich history and culture.
First Celebrations
The first celebration of Ghana’s Founders’ Day was held on September 21, just two days after the country officially gained independence from Britain.
Ghana’s first president and one of the “Big Six” was Kwame Nkrumah. He was celebrated on September 21 each year as “Founder’s Day” in honor of his involvement in the Ghanaian campaign for independence from British colonial control since he was born on that day.
Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, William Ofori Atta, and Ebenezer Ako-Adjei were the other “Big Six” participants.
The event was organized by the newly formed government and was attended by dignitaries from all over Africa. The day was filled with speeches, music, and dancing, and ended with a grand fireworks display.
Heroes of Independence
On 6 March 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. The day is now commemorated as Founders’ Day, a national holiday.
The holiday celebrates the achievements of the Big Six – the six men who led the country to independence. These men are:
1. Kwame Nkrumah
2. Edward Akufo-Addo
3. Joseph Boakye Danquah
4. Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey
5. William Ofori Atta and
6. Ebenezer Ako-Adjei were the other “Big Six” participants.
Quotes from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
“We face neither East nor West; we face forward.
There is no room for complacency.
We must seek to be united internationally, because without unity nothing can be done.
Let us march forward under the banner of African socialism.
I am not a communist, and I do not believe in dictatorship”.
Celebrations Today
While the day is not widely celebrated outside of Ghana, those within the country take part in a number of activities to commemorate the occasion.
These include special church services, parades, and other festivities. The day is also a time for family gatherings and sharing traditional meals.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Founders’ Day in Ghana?
The Founders’ Day, also known as Founder’s Day, was commemorated in Ghana on September 21 of every year to commemorate the birthdate of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first president, and to honor the valiant “Big Six” of Ghana who fought for independence.
2. Who are the founding fathers of Ghana?
*Ghana’s first president and prime minister was Kwame Nkrumah.
*UGCC founder member Ebenezer Ako-Adjei.
*Edward Akufo-Addo was a founding member of the UGCC and later served as Ghana’s president and chief justice.
3. How did Ghana become a country?
The Gold Coast, now known as Ghana, became independent from Great Britain on March 6, 1957. Ghana joined the Commonwealth of Nations when Kwame Nkrumah led the country to independence and established a republic with himself as president for life.
4. What is the current situation in Ghana?
5. What can we learn from Ghana’s history?
Recommended reading: AUGUST 4TH IS DECLARED A PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK FOUNDERS’ DAY
Read also: FOUNDER’S DAY – August 4, 2022 – National Today
Image credit: Christine Bedenis
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