DOCSLIB.ORG

H.E. John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
H.E. John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA ADDRESS 57TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION THURSDAY, 6TH MARCH 2014 BLACK STAR SQUARE, ACCRA Your Excellency President Alpha Conde Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur Rt. Hon Speaker of Parliament Your ladyship the Chief Justice, represented by Justice William AtuGuba Former President John Agyekum Kufuor Our school children My brother and sisters This is a most extraordinary Independence Day celebration. When it rains we call it showers of blessinG. So, I want to believe that these showers that God has brouGht down today are a siGnal to us that He is continuinG to bless Ghana, and blessinG Ghana to move to the next level. I want to thank the school children, who have been on parade today. I want to thank our Gallant troops, who have also been on parade today and are still standinG in the rainstorm. I want to thank the General public, who have all left your houses, out of a sense of selflessness, nationalism and patriotism, to be here to celebrate Ghana’s 57th independence anniversary. But today’s rainfall also tells us somethinG. We have heard the words, Climate ChanGe, mentioned over and over aGain. It has not be normal for rainstorm like this to happen at this time of the year – early in March. One would have thouGht that the harmattan weather would still be in control. So what it means, as we have always been told is that we must implement climate chanGe adaptability. It means that we must be better able to predict the weather. We did receive a storm warninG from the MeteoroloGical Services, but we received it this morninG, a bit too late to put off this event. And so it means we must sharpen our abilities to predict how the climate and the weather would behave so that we can adapt to it. 1 Let me thank everybody for your resilience, members of the Diplomatic Corps, our traditional leaders, reliGious leaders and everybody who has been here with us today. Today is the anniversary of an event that not only chanGed our country (Ghana) but also chanGed the world. It is the anniversary of freedom, the freedom for which our forefathers and foremothers fouGht, the freedom that we now enjoy, and are so blessed to sometimes even take for granted. But the freedom that was won on March 6th, 1957 did not belonG to us alone. It was a freedom that many throuGhout the world, especially Black people, celebrated and held as a symbol of hope. In 1957 the Black people in America were not seen as equal. They could not attend the same schools, receive treatment at the same hospitals or eat at the same tables as their white fellowmen. They could not even vote. When Ghana Gained its independence, our freedom became a source of inspiration to them too. Dr. Martin Luther KinG, Jr., the leader of black America’s Civil RiGhts Movement, travelled to Ghana to witness our Independence Day. When he returned to America, he delivered a speech called “The Birth of a Nation,” in which he said: “Ghana has something to say to us. It says to us first that the oppressor never voluntarily gives freedom to the oppressed. You have to work for it. And if Nkrumah and the people of the Gold Coast had not stood up persistently, revolting against the system, it would still be a colony under the British Empire. Freedom is never given to anybody.” But it is not just Black Americans that Ghana’s independence inspired. I once met a woman from Guyana, who told me that all throuGhout her youth, 6th March, Ghana’s Independence Day, was a national holiday in her country. “Ghana,” she told me, “was synonymous with freedom, black power and African excellence.” Ghana was the first black African nation to win independence, and so the world’s eyes were on us. But the place where our freedom had the most immediate influence was on this great continent of ours. If Ghanaians could free themselves from colonial rule, then so too could the rest of Africa. And so, they followed in Ghana’s steps, one new, free African nation after the other. The first to take heed to our call was Guinea, which Gained its independence in 1958. Guinea was a French colony. After Ghana Gained its independence, the French colonies in Africa were given a choice; whether they could remain a colony but be Given more privileGes or they could be Granted their full freedom and independence. Under the bold leadership of Ahmed Sékou Touré, who would Go on to become the first president, the people of Guinea voted for freedom. 2 When the French colonial Government left Guinea, they took everythinG with them, and the thinGs they could not take, they destroyed. Schools, hospitals, and public buildinGs were shattered to pieces. Cars and books were burned. It was a message to the other Francophone colonies in Africa: this is the price to be paid if you Go the way of Ghana. But our brothers and sisters in Guinea paid that price, the cost of their freedom, to be able to stand in solidarity with Ghana. So it is an honour for me to welcome, my friend and brother, His Excellency Professor Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea, who has travelled to Ghana today to once aGain stand in solidarity with us. President Alpha Conde you are warmly welcome. We are very happy to have you here today and Ghana is your home. “Our independence is meaninGless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent,” President Kwame Nkrumah said, shortly after Great Britain’s Union Jack was lowered and the Ghana flaG was raised. “Our independence is meaninGless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.” And, despite the cost, freedom proved to be an extremely contaGious condition. In 1960 alone, 17 African countries Gained their independence. My brothers and sisters, what we are celebratinG today, and what we celebrate on every anniversary of our independence, is not just the attainment freedom; what we are celebratinG is what that freedom meant and still means—to us and to an entire world. The door we opened on 6th March 1957 was not just to our future; it was not just to our freedom. To countless people across the Globe, that door was an openinG to the possibility of their own freedom. This is who we are, as Ghanaians. We are able to take what other people consider impossible and make it possible. We are not easily defeated. We are willinG to Go the full distance in the protection of our country, and in the service of our dreams. We are a nation of people with the capacity and the courage to achieve whatever it is we dare to desire—whether it is freedom or democracy or development. We are willinG to work to make it happen. What the rest of the world has lonG admired about us Ghanaians is that we are a welcominG people. They admire the way we so easily form community, and the way we so purposely forGe a common sense of unity. It is this tendency towards unity that brinGs us toGether--Ga-AdanGbes, Guans, Akans, Ewes, DaGombas,--all of us, toGether, as Ghanaians. Mrs. Theodosia Okoh understood this when she desiGned our flaG, usinG the three colours that are referred to as the Pan-African colours: 3 Red, symbolizinG the blood shed by those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Gold, symbolizinG the richness of our resources, namely Gold and other mineral resources. Green, symbolizinG our lush forests and Grasslands. Upon GaininG independence, many African nations adopted these same colours for their new national flaGs. (Red, Yellow and Green.) It was a show of solidarity. But there is only one nation whose flaG bears the iconic, and the oriGinal, black star. It is a lodestar for African freedom. A star that is used to guide a ship on its course. And that black star is ever-present on our flaG, to remind us of who we are as Ghanaians and the role that Ghana has played, and continues to play, on the African continent. My Brothers and Sisters, it is impossible to talk about freedom without also talkinG about equality. The two Go hand-in-hand. The equality for which our forefathers and foremothers fought extended beyond the collective to the individual. It was their vision that every Ghanaian should be able to live in diGnity; for every Ghanaian to have access to all the basic tools needed—such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare—to build a decent life for themselves and for their children. This is an ideal that we must, and will, continue working to achieve. Recently I attended the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where it was stated by various developmental and social justice orGanizations that inequality is currently one of the world’s biGGest Global risks. It is a flashpoint for national and social tension. Time and time aGain, we as a people, have risen above those things that attempt to divide us. We must continue to be viGilant in our attempts to address the inequalities that face our society. The Gap between the rich and the poor must be bridged. All children must have access to education, whether they are male or female; whether they live in a villaGe or in a city. YounG people must be afforded the skills needed in order to find Gainful employment.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Was the Gold Coast 'Decolonised' Or Did Ghana Win Its Independence?
    Was the Gold Coast ‘decolonised’ or did Ghana win its independence? A resource for Key Stage 4 Key words: Empire, Liberty, Government, Ideas, Role of individuals in encouraging change, Africa, independence, decolonisation, nationalism, Ghana, Nkrumah In 1957 the British colony of the Gold Coast became the independent nation of Ghana. Did Britain grant Ghanaian independence or was this the result of the actions of Ghanaian nationalists, led by Kwame Nkrumah? Many historians see the post-World War Two period as one of British retreat from its empire. Britain was economically weakened and in debt to the United States, which opposed continued European colonialism. Although India achieved independence in 1947, Britain initially sought to compensate for the loss of its Asian colonies with increased economic intervention in its African ones: it also trained a new generation of African civil servants to replace their British counterparts. This has been characterised as a ‘second colonial occupation’. Influenced by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the new United Nations, Britain was committed to decolonisation when African colonies were ready to rule themselves, but this was commonly imagined as taking 20, 30 or even 50 years. Meanwhile, a new generation of African nationalists wanted to mobilise a mass movement against colonialism, criticising older African political leaders who sought reform within colonialism rather than its overthrow. Kwame Nkrumah, who returned from studies in the US and Britain to the Gold Coast in 1947, supported protests by poverty- stricken ex-soldiers who had fought for Britain in WWII. In February 1948, these demonstrators were fired upon by British troops and riots broke out across the territory.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Cincinnati
    UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date:___________________ I, _________________________________________________________, hereby submit this work as part of the requirements for the degree of: in: It is entitled: This work and its defense approved by: Chair: _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments—“National Identity” and “Freedom” A thesis submitted to Division of Research and Advanced Studies of the University of Cincinnati In partial Fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In the School of Architecture and Interior Design of the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning 2008 by Aditei Puplampu Bachelor of Architecture, Drury University, 2005 Committee Chair: Nnamdi Elleh, PhD Committee Members: John E. Hancock Abstract The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments—“National Identity” and “Freedom” Among its numerous roles in the pre-independent era, social historians agree that imported architecture in colonial African landscapes “…provided forms for the specific purpose of subverting the cultures of colonized subjects, and created centers for domesticating colonial subjects…”1 Conversely, in the mid to late twentieth century (post-independent era), “…architecture was [also] conceptualized as a tool for formulating national identity and
    [Show full text]
  • Petrie, Jennifer Accepted Dissertation 08-20-15 Fa15.Pdf
    Music and Dance Education in Senior High Schools in Ghana: A Multiple Case Study A dissertation presented to the faculty of The Patton College of Education of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education Jennifer L. Petrie December 2015 © 2015 Jennifer L. Petrie. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Music and Dance Education in Senior High Schools in Ghana: A Multiple Case Study by JENNIFER L. PETRIE has been approved for the Department of Educational Studies and The Patton College of Education by William K. Larson. Associate Professor of Educational Studies Renée A. Middleton Dean, The Patton College of Education 3 Abstract PETRIE, JENNIFER L., Ed.D., December 2015, Educational Administration Music and Dance Education in Senior High Schools in Ghana: A Multiple Case Study Director of Dissertation: William K. Larson This dissertation examined the state of senior high school (SHS) music and dance education in the context of a growing economy and current socio-cultural transitions in Ghana. The research analyzed the experience of educational administrators, teachers, and students. Educational administrators included professionals at educational organizations and institutions, government officials, and professors at universities in Ghana. Teachers and students were primarily from five SHSs, across varying socioeconomic strata in the Ashanti Region, the Central Region, and the Greater Accra Region. The study employed ethnographic and multiple case study approaches. The research incorporated the data collection techniques of archival document review, focus group, interview, observation, and participant observation. Four interrelated theoretical perspectives informed the research: interdisciplinary African arts theory, leadership and organizational theory, post- colonial theory, and qualitative educational methods’ perspectives.
    [Show full text]
  • Ghana Presentation
    A SHORT PRESENTATION ABOUT OUR MOTHERLAND, GHANA. Presented by; Benjamin,Rahmatu and Gabriel. Our National Anthem MAP OF AFRICA AND GHANA A NATURAL STONE IN A FORMATION OF AFRICA MAP IN BUNKPURUGU First President of Ghana Current president of Ghana • Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah • His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC Ghana flag MEANINING OF GHANA FLAG COLOURS RED: The red symbolizes the bloodshed and struggles for independence YELLOW/GOLD: It symbolizes the country’s minerals wealth GREEN: It symbolizes the country’s forest and natural wealth BLACK STAR: Symbolizes Africa Emancipation • Ghana was colonized by; • The British till 1957 BRIEF HISTORY OF GHANA MORE ABOUT GHANA • Gained independence on 6th March 1957 • Located in West Africa • Capital is Accra • Official language is English ( over 70 local languages) • Currency is cedi (¢) • Three Major Religion: Christianity, Islam and African traditional religion (ATR) • Population is 31,732,129 million ( 2020) • Current president is Nana Addo Dankwa Akoffu Addo • Ghana has sixteen regions and 216 districts • Motto of Ghana is freedom and justice • Over 70 tribes( largest Akan) • GHANA IS THE 1ST BLACK AFRICAN NATION TO GAIN INDEPENDENCE FROM COLONIAL RULE. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN GHANA • New year January 1 • Independence day March • Worker's day May 1 • African union day May 25 • Republic day July 1 • Founders' day September 21 • Farmer's day : first Friday of every December •
    [Show full text]
  • A Rhetorical Analysis of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's Independence Speech
    New Media and Mass Communication www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3267 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3275 (Online) Vol.43, 2015 A Rhetorical Analysis of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Independence Speech Abena Abokoma Asemanyi Anita Brenda Alofah Department of Communication and Media Studies, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 25, Winneba, Central Region, Ghana Abstract The study examines the role of rhetoric in the famous Independence Speech given by the first president of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at Old Polo Grounds, Accra, Ghana on 6 th March, 1957 when Ghana won independence from the British rule. Through a rhetorical analysis and specifically using the cannons of rhetoric and the means of persuasion, the study finds that; first, the speech adopts the elements of rhetoric to inform, encourage and persuade its audiences.; second, the speech is endowed with the richness that the five canons of rhetoric afford. The study reveals that the powerful diction and expressions embedded in the speech follow a rather careful arrangement meant to achieve the objective of rhetoric; third, the speaker adopted the three means of persuasion, namely: ethos, pathos and logos, to drive home the objective of his argument. The findings agree with Ghanaian Agenda’s assertion of the speech as one of the greatest ever written and delivered in Ghanaian geo-politics and rhetorical history. The study concludes that the 1957 Independence Speech by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah owes its world-wide garnered attention to the power of rhetoric, owing to the fact that it affords the speech the craft of carefully laid out rhetorical constructions and principles and hence making the speech a powerful work of rhetoric.
    [Show full text]
  • Material: Ghana
    Online-Bildarchiv: Afrikanische Unabhängigkeitsfeiern Institut für Ethnologie and Afrikastudien Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz MATERIAL: GHANA PHOTOGRAPHS The events listed below were documented photographically. The photographs may be accessed in the online archive “African Independence-Day Celebrations”. To search for the images, enter the country name and the name of the event. The number of photographs on a particular theme, event or object is indicated in parentheses. PHOTOGRAPHS Ghana Date Event Location 1957 26.1.1957 Festival of the Arts (Arts Council) (2) Accra 2.3.1957 Ceremonial Welcome (2) Accra 2.3.1957 Independence Celebration (3) Accra 2.3.1957 Wreath-laying Ceremony (2) Accra 5.3.1957 Declaration of Independence (4) Accra 5.3.1957 Independence Celebration/ Float Parade (3) Accra 6.3.1957 Lowering of the Union Jack/ Keta Fort (3) Accra 6.3.1957 State Reception (2) Accra 6.3.1957 Independence Celebration (6) Accra 6.3.1957 Independence Celebration/ Float Parade (4) Accra 9.3.1957 Independence Celebration/ Durbar (1) Accra 1958 13.1.1958 Independence Celebration/ Committee at the opening meeting Accra (1) 6.3.1958 Independence Celebration (2) Accra 6.3.1958 Independence Celebration / March Past (12) Accra 1961 6.3.1961 Independence Celebration (2) Accra 1966 6.3.1966 Parliament House/ Statue (4) Accra 1971 1.10.1971 2nd Anniversary of the 2nd Republic at Black Star Square (2) Accra 1975 6.3.1975 Independence Day Celebration (5) Accra 1982 6.3.1982 Independence Day Celebration (8) Accra 1983 6.3.1983 Independence Day
    [Show full text]
  • Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor: Kwame Nkrumah, Symbolic Nationalism And
    Nations and Nationalism 14 (3), 2008, 520–541. Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor:Kwame Nkrumah, symbolic nationalism and the iconography of Ghanaian money 1957 – the Golden Jubilee HARCOURT FULLER International History Department, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK ABSTRACT. During his tenure as premier from independence in 1957 until he was ousted by a military and police coup in 1966, Kwame Nkrumah was the living personification of the Ghanaian nation-state. As the self-proclaimed Civitatis Gha- niensis Conditor – Founder of the State of Ghana – his image was minted on the new national money and printed on postage stamps. He erected a monument of himself in Accra, changed the national anthem to make references to himself, customised the national flag to match the colors of his CPP party, made his birthday a national day of celebration (National Founder’s Day), named streets and universities after himself, and amended the constitution whereby he became Life President. Since the coup, many of the symbols of nationhood that Nkrumah constructed have been debated, demolished, reconsidered and reengineered by successive governments to rewrite the Ghanaian historical narrative. This article analyses the contentions of one of Nkrumah’s first expressions of symbolic nationalism – that of the national coinage. KEYWORDS: Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor; Ghana Cedi; Ghana money; icono- graphy and money; Kwame Nkrumah; nationalism; symbolic nationalism. The act of coining or producing currency has been synonymous with an expression of independence since the earliest years of coinage in Ancient Greece (Mudd 2005). r The author 2008. Journal compilation r ASEN/Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2008 Iconography of Ghanaian money 521 I want the Queen and the people of Britain to know .
    [Show full text]
  • Akwaaba / Welcome
    GHANA NATIONAL PROFILE FOR 2020/2021 AKWAABA / WELCOME https://photos.app.goo.gl/KvqXXoN1zyAYG0FV2 We are very happy to welcome you to Ghana. The National Profile is a brief introduction about what you can expect during your exchange year. This will give you a basic idea about the Ghanaian society. Obviously this profile will not cover all the issues you may be curious about but if you read it carefully, it will be a step in the right direction. Living in another culture might not be easy but with an open mind and a deep commitment as well as the effort of the ICYE-GHANA staff and co-workers who are eager to help you, you will surely have a rewarding experience. We are looking forward to meeting you and hope you are all set to experience Ghana. WhatOnce again is ICYE? you are welcome- AKWAABA. A leader in international youth exchange programs with more than 50 years of experience Long and short - term exchange programs for 2.000 participants annually An international Federation of National Committees in 34 countries an international voluntary service programme promoting young people’s active and global citizenship An experience based programme to enhance young people’s intercultural understanding and commitment to peace and justice An international network coordinated by national offices and dedicated co-workers, who provide volunteers with the necessary orientation, training and support The International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) is an international non-profit youth exchange organisation promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service. ICYE organises long and short-term exchanges combining home stays with voluntary service in a variety of community service projects in more than 34 countries around the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneurship Summer
    Golden Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneurship Summer Exchange Program July 2-16, 2020 Ghana, West Africa Embark on two exciting weeks of empowerment and leadership through international relations, education and exchange with West African trailblazers in the fashion and beauty industry. Girls For A Change 2019 Golden Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneurship Summer Exchange Program | July 2-16, 2020 | Ghana, West Africa • • • TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Passion. Purpose. Profession. • • • Empowering girls to create social change • Experience the vibrant ORGANIZATIONAL & TRIP OVERVIEW cities of Accra, Cape The International Partnership for Economic & Sustainable Development Coast, Elmina, Assin (IPESD) brings business, non-profit and government entities together forming South, Kumasi, & global public-private-partnerships to accelerate progress towards the Tamale achievement of global goals. We believe in establishing a local presence in countries and markets of particular interests to our clients/partners. By doing so, we work closely with local resources to identify and validate effective • Interact with equitable solutions, which are truly adapted to the needs of communities traditional tribal through sustainable development and ecotourism. leaders, rural villages, The 2020 Girls For A Change (GFAC) Golden Fashion & Beauty and indigenous Entrepreneurship Exchange Program delegation will explore Ghana as the people. Continent’s leading, enterprising fashion country and one of Africa’s most stable, growing, and innovative democracies. Delegates will experience the uniqueness of Ghana’s eastern, central, and northern regions, gaining one • Lead service projects of a kind cross-cultural insight into the business of African fashion and beauty for primary school industries. The delegation will be welcomed by the government and the children. African Union’s Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF), beyond the historic ‘Year of Return’- Ghana’s call for African-Americans to come Home.
    [Show full text]
  • Ghanaian “Monument Wars” the Contested History of the Nkrumah Statues
    Cahiers d’études africaines 227 | 2017 Renouveau monumental Ghanaian “Monument Wars” The Contested History of the Nkrumah Statues Carola Lentz Electronic version URL: http://journals.openedition.org/etudesafricaines/20822 DOI: 10.4000/etudesafricaines.20822 ISSN: 1777-5353 Publisher Éditions de l’EHESS Printed version Date of publication: 1 September 2017 Number of pages: 551-582 ISBN: 978-2-7132-2686-1 ISSN: 0008-0055 Electronic reference Carola Lentz, « Ghanaian “Monument Wars” », Cahiers d’études africaines [Online], 227 | 2017, Online since 01 September 2019, connection on 10 December 2020. URL : http://journals.openedition.org/ etudesafricaines/20822 ; DOI : https://doi.org/10.4000/etudesafricaines.20822 © Cahiers d’Études africaines Carola Lentz Ghanaian “Monument Wars” The Contested History of the Nkrumah Statues In January 2012, Ghana’s President John Evans Atta Mills unveiled an imposing­ statue of “Osagyefo (‘The Redeemer’) Kwame Nkrumah,” as the inscription reads, at the forecourt of the new African Union building in Addis Ababa. The three-and-a-half meter high bronze statue was cast in Ghana,1 but modelled on the very first Nkrumah statue, which had been created by the Italian sculptor Nicola Cataudella and inaugurated in front of the Old Parliament House in Accra at the eve of the first independence anniversary in 1958. The statue shows Nkrumah dressed in his famous fugu, the popular Northern Ghanaian smock, which he was wearing when he declared independence,­ his right hand lifted in greeting, his left hand holding a walking
    [Show full text]
  • 64Th Celebration of Independence Day of the Republic of Ghana in Spain
    64TH CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA IN SPAIN Sixty-four years ago, today, that Ghana’s forefathers’ dream of independence became a reality. Indeed, Ghana on the 6th of March, 1957 became the first African country, south of the Sahara to gain her freedom from colonial rule and domination from Britain. Such a monumental achievement gave Ghana the added responsibility of demonstrating to the black race and colonial regimes across the continent that, the African was in a position to manage his own affairs. This early drive for national excellence has guided the path of our leaders since we gained sovereignty more than six decades ago. Today, Ghana is a bastion of democratic governance and the rule of law on the African continent. Following last year's successful general elections, the country remains a haven of peace and stability devoid of the unrest and civil strife that have defined the political reality of other African states. Ghana is currently into the 28th year of its Fourth Republic, the longest, uninterrupted period of political tranquility and constitutional governance in the nation’s history. 6th March every year has become the day when Ghanaians honour the heroes and statesmen whose efforts culminated into the country’s independence. On this day, Ghanaians also remember the valiant efforts of the Big Six: Kwame Nkrumah, Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, William Ofori-Atta, J.B. Danquah and Edward Akufo-Addo. We honor them for the very important role they played in the nation's collective effort towards political freedom from colonial rule.
    [Show full text]
  • Canadian Curriculum Guide 2016
    Once known as the “Gold Coast,” today Ghana is hailed as the golden country of West Africa. It is located in West Africa and uniquely positioned on the globe. The Greenwich Meridian at zero degrees longitude passes through the city of Tema, and the equator cuts just few degrees south of Ghana. Therefore, if you step on the intersection of the Longitude and the Latitude, and in whichever direction you move, Ghana is the first landmass you would step on. That is why it is often said that, Ghana is closer to the center of the earth than any other country. Truly one of Africa's great success stories, Ghana is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy, a strong economy and a rapidly exploding tourism industry fueled by forts and castles, beautiful landscapes, many teeming with exotic wildlife, national parks, unique art and music communities, and exciting experiences among many indigenous cultural groups. Ghana is also suffused with the most incredible energy. When you visit the Republic of Ghana, you might come face to face with caracals (wild cats) and cusimanses, bongos (deer) and bushbacks. Learn from and celebrate with such ethic groups as the Fante, the Ashanti, the Mole-Dagbon or the Ewe. Shop the markets of Kejetia in Kumasi or Makola in Accra. Take time to visit the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sancuary, or even stop by Paga and feed the crocodiles. Visit the Larabanga Mosque which dates to 1421, the Nzulezu village on stilts, the Colonial lighthouse of Jamestown, or the National Theatre in Accra.
    [Show full text]