Dominion of Ghana
Ghana, 1957–1960. Draft, not yet reviewed
Ghana was the first African country colonised by European powers to achieve independence under majority rule. From 1957 to 1960, Ghana was a Commonwealth realm with a Westminster system of government, and Elizabeth II, the British monarch, served as Queen of Ghana. On 1 July 1960 it became the Republic of Ghana and the Queen ceased to be head of state.
Seat of power: Accra
Rulers
Kwame Nkrumah
Prime Minister of Ghana, 1957–1960
During the period from 1957 to 1960, Kwame Nkrumah held office as prime minister. After the 1960 referendum created a republic, Nkrumah won the presidential election and became the first President of Ghana.
Portrait of Kwame Nkrumah: The National Archives UK - Flickr account, OGL v1.0, file
Elizabeth II
monarch of the commonwealth realm of Ghana, 1957–1960
Elizabeth II, the British monarch, served as Queen of Ghana. Her constitutional roles as head of state were mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Ghana.
Portrait of Elizabeth II: Donald McKague, Public domain, file
_(cropped)_(3-to-4_aspect_ratio).jpg){kind=link}
Culture
- Kwame Nkrumah commissioned the construction of the square to celebrate the nation's independence.
- Its stands can seat 30,000 people, and three monuments there mark the fight for independence: the Independence Arch, the Liberation Day Monument and the Black Star Gate.
- The Independence Day parade is held there on 6 March every year.
Picture
Black Star Square in Accra was completed in 1961 and often hosts the annual independence celebrations.
Image: Rjruiziii, CC BY-SA 3.0, file
Sources
Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.