When is Independence Day?
How long until Independence Day? | ||
| This holiday next takes place in 29 Days. | ||
Dates of Independence Day | ||
| Year | Weekday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Friday | |
| 2019 | Wednesday | |
| 2018 | Tuesday | |
| 2017 | Monday | |
| 2016 | Monday | |
Duration | ||
| 1 Day | ||
Summary | ||
| Independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 | ||
This statutory public holiday is celebrated on 6 March. If 6 March falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be observed as a holiday.
It is Ghana's National Day and commemorates Ghana's independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. In 2017, Ghana celebrated 60 years of independence.
History of Independence Day
Before the arrival of Europeans, Ghana was the location of the Ashanti, a powerful tribe in the region. The area had an abundance of natural resources, including gold and ivory, which attracted the attention of colonists.
While the Portuguese had been the first to establish a settlement in the region, the attractiveness of the local riches led to a struggle for control between many European nations. In 1874, Britain took control over parts of the country, naming them the British Gold Coast.
Weakened by the efforts of World War II, Britain had began the process of reducing its colonies around the world, including those Africa.
Did you know?
The currency of Ghana is called the cedi. The word 'cedi' comes from a word meaning a cowry shell. Cowry shells were once used as money in Ghana.
This desire was matched by a rising call for independence in the Gold Coast. In 1947, the United Gold Coast Convention called for "self-government within the shortest possible time" following the Gold Coast legislative elections. In 1951, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah won a majority in the Gold Coast legislative election and in 1952. Nkrumah was appointed leader of the Gold Coast government.
The Gold Coast region declared its independence from the United Kingdom on 6 March 1957 and established the nation of Ghana. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence.
Nkrumah went on to become the first Prime Minister of Ghana.
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