Republic Day in Ghana

Known for its deep history, sandy beaches and lush forests, Ghana is one of the 54 countries that make up the African continent. The Republic Day holiday is a memorial day in Ghana that is attended by the Prime Minister and the president of the free country.

Ghana existed as an empire from the seventh to the thirteenth century. During this time, the Ghanaian Empire included what we now know as Mali, Mauritania and Senegal. The ruler of this empire was known as the Warrior King – or the Ghana – which is how the empire became known.

In 1957, Ghana became the first self-governing country on the African continent, under president Kwame Nkrumah. On July 1st 1960, Kwame Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana. Nkrumah helped Ghana become governed by a new Constitution, which was based not only on the historical traditions of Ghanaians, but also reflected the aspirations and hopes of the nation’s people. Republic Day has also become Senior Citizens Day in recognition and appreciation of Ghanian senior citizens’ invaluable contributions to their nation, making Ghana the country that it is today.