66 years ago, Ghana became a independent being the first among it sub-Saharan nation to gain freedom from colonial rule. The long night of British rule will finally end after 83 years.
Kwame Nkrumah who had studied both in the US and Britain led the country to independence with his counterparts famously know as the "Big Six". The declaration of such momentous day happened on the eve of 6 March 1957 at what was know as the Polo Grounds in Accra with host of the Ghanaian pupil both young and old, vibrant and frail shouting for joy and celebrating the glorious day for a new beginning.
Following that, the name Ghana will then replace Gold Coast which was a name given by the colonial masters because of the abundant gold they found on its coast when they first landed on the Land. The red gold green with the black star will also be adapted as the country's national flag. The flag was designed by Mrs. Theodosia Okoh who was a school teacher and an artist by profession.
The Colors of the flag explained
Red as a symbol of the blood of those who fought for the freedom of the country
Yellow symbolizes the rich mineral resources
Green for the rich vegetation
Black stands for Africa Emancipation
Most were filled with hope a lot of things was going to change and it was evident from the construction of the motor way to that of the Dam in Akosombo to the building of the Atebubu Training College and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Just to mention a few but all of the aforementioned still plays critical roles in the development and sustenance of the country Ghana.
Post independence has not always been all smooth sailing. Some did not really understand independence in it totality. Yes we are free from colonial rule but was the common Ghanaian free? There were seasons of hostility from government and a period of Coup, overthrowing government for military regime and restoring democracy in the pending days. SO yes, we have really come far with all the developmental project and advance in technology.
Nkrumah played his part with his rapid industrialization and modernization program known as the "Seven-Year Development Plan with focus on health, education, economical, agriculture, and infrastructural implementation. Though he would not live long to see it through yet he achieved a great feet within his two years of service to his nation. The Akosombo dam still serves the country and is the major electricity generation in the country. Yes we are still dependent on it. That should be commended.
Constitutionally, the 6th of March is commemorated as a public holiday with beautiful parade involving c event to celebrate our independence.
Since 1993 we have enjoyed peaceful election transfers in the Fourth Republic beginning with Jerry Rawlings (8 years in office), John Kufuor (8 years in office), John Atta Mills (3 years in office), John Mahama(3 years in office) and His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo as the seating President of the Land.
So, 63 years post independence, we still stand as the most peaceful country in Sub-Sahara Africa, with her people enjoying political stability and a thriving economy. We have had our ups and downs as a developing country and look forward to a better day and better reforms in economic and political structures which will foster growth, prosperity and unity at all seasons.
