The History of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day
In 1874, England assumed command of parts of Ghana, naming them the English Gold Coast.
After England was debilitated by the endeavors of World War II, and following a rising longing for freedom, Ghana was the principal sub-Saharan African country to accomplish independence on March 6th, 1957.
Dr. Nkrumah was the driving force behind Ghana’s independence from British rule, and he founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Ghana will forever be associated with the strong discourse Nkrumah followed through on the day Ghana acquired independence, March 6th, 1957, announcing “Ghana will be free forever” from English rule to a large number of Ghanaians assembled at the Independence Square, presently Black Stars Square. The speech was critical as it relinquished English control over the Gold Coast.
In 1960, state head Osagyefo Dr. Kwame was sworn into office as the first leader of the nation, and the republic was confirmed on July 1st, 1960.
In February 1966, while Nkrumah was on a state visit to Vietnam and China, his administration was ousted in a military coup. Nkrumah never returned to Ghana and died in April 1972.
In September 2009, President John Atta Mills proclaimed September 21st (the centennial of Kwame Nkrumah’s birth in 1909) to be Founder’s Day, a statutory holiday in Ghana.
Nkrumah crafted the national flag of Ghana. Its design was enlivened by Ethiopia’s green-yellow-red Lion of Judah flag, with the lion supplanted by a dark star. Red represents bloodshed and battle; green represents beauty and agriculture; yellow addresses mineral riches; and the Dark Star addresses African freedom.
When is Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day?
This statutory public holiday is observed on September 21st. In the event that September 21st falls on the weekend, the next Monday will be seen as a holiday.
This occasion celebrates the birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
Kwame Nkrumah was a Ghanaian politician, political revolutionist, and scholar. He was broadly known as the first prime minister and leader of Ghana. He was one of the significant thrusts behind driving the Gold Coast to independence from England.
Prior to the passing of the Public Holiday Amendment Bill into law in March 2019, the occasion on September 21st was known as Founders’ Day. Founder’s Day will be celebrated with a public holiday on August 4th.
How is Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day celebrated?
The day is set apart with talks and events to remember the accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Nkrumah.