Miscellaneous - This Day That Age   

dated March 7, 1957: Ghana becomes free

The Gold Coast became the new independent State of Ghana at midnight on March 6 when the Union Jack was lowered over Parliament House at Accra and the new Ghana flag hoisted in its place. Cheering Assemblymen carried the Premier, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, shoulder high out of the final Assembly session in an exuberant demonstration. Crowds danced, cheered and shouted outside the Parliament House while tribal drums beat a rhythmic tattoo and fire crackers exploded every few seconds. The last minute scenes in the Assembly Chamber were dramatic. The final meeting had begun late and Dr. Nkrumah had to hurry to get through his speech in time. The Speaker then red the Governor's prorogation message, but before this could be finished it was midnight. Without waiting for the appearance of the Premier, the crowds outside began shouting joyously and letting off fireworks, and it was in this atmosphere that the Assembly of the Gold Coast came to an end. At the stroke of midnight the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and Ghana's red, gold and green colours were hoisted.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

CARTOONSCAPE
The Hindu Crossword 8854
Solution to Puzzle 8853
Influence of fate
dated March 7, 1957: Ghana becomes free
dated March 7, 1957: Nehru's apology to Queen
Weather

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu