Ghana Independence Day

This is an official state holiday for Ghana both within and in the diaspora to honour and celebrate the Heroes of Ghana who led the country to attain its independence. It is also remembrance of the day that marks the declaration of Ghanian independence from the British colonial rule. The British took over parts of the Gold Coast, the former name of Ghana. It was renamed the British Gold Coast, but after World War II the British reduced its control over the colonies in Africa. The United Gold Coast convention pioneered the call for independence within the shortest possible time after the Gold Coast legislative election in 1947. Dr. Kwane Nkrumah won the Gold Coast legislative election in 1951. Led by the big six leaders of the United Gold Coast, the Gold Coast declared its independence from the British on 6th March 1957, and renamed Ghana. The first celebrations were attended by Martin Luther King Jnr. There is a parade at Black Star Square, with the Trooping the Colour aspect coming from the British era.