GHANA IS 59 YEARS: A REFLECTION OF THE NATION FROM PAST TO PRESENT

Ghana gained her independence from British colonial rule on 6th March, 1957 when Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of Ghana, then Gold Coast, declared the country free from the rule of the Queen of England and the British imperial flag was lowered and the flag of Ghana, consisting of the colours red, gold, green, and a black star, was hoisted.

Ghana’s flag which has become a symbol of Ghana’s identity was designed by the late Theodosia Okoh, with the red representing the blood that was shed in the struggle for independence, the gold an indication of the mineral wealth of Ghana, the green symbolises the country’s rich forests and natural wealth, and the black star is the symbol of African emancipation.

Indeed, Dr Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana a republic in 1960 and became the first president of the country.

Ghana suffered a series of military coups following the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966 until democracy was restored in 1992 when elections were conducted that led to Jerry John Rawlings becoming president after leading the country as a military ruler for over a decade.

Jerry John Rawlings governed Ghana from 1993 to 2000, having been military head of state from 1981 until 1992.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor won elections to become president from 2001 to 2008 and tok over from Rawlings.

The late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills also took over from Jonh Agyekum Kufuor after he won the elections in 2008 to become the third constitutionally elected president under the fourth republic but died in office.

His vice president John Mahama became president, who was re-elected in 2012 and governs as the current president of the country.

Today, President Mahama is at the Independence Black Star Square with other dignitaries to support Ghana’s independence day celebrations.

Also in attendance are members of other opposition political parties in Ghana including Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate.

Credit: News Ghana