Ghana Celebrates Founders’ Day with Pride and Reflection
2 min readAccra, Ghana – On August 4th, the nation of Ghana came together to celebrate Founders’ Day, a public holiday dedicated to honoring the pioneers who led the country to independence. This day, marked by festivities and solemn reflections, pays tribute to the Big Six and other influential figures who played pivotal roles in Ghana’s liberation from colonial rule.
The Founders’ Day celebrations kicked off with a grand parade at Independence Square in Accra, featuring performances by various cultural troupes, schoolchildren, and the Ghana Armed Forces. The event was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who delivered a poignant speech highlighting the sacrifices and vision of the nation’s founding fathers.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the enduring legacy of the Big Six – Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J.B. Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, and William Ofori Atta. He reminded the nation of their unwavering commitment to freedom and justice, urging Ghanaians to continue striving towards the ideals they championed.
“Today, we honor the memory of our founding fathers, whose courage and determination paved the way for our independence. Let us draw inspiration from their legacy as we work together to build a prosperous and united Ghana,” said President Akufo-Addo.
Across the country, various activities were organized to commemorate the day. In schools, students participated in essay competitions and debates focused on the history and contributions of Ghana’s founding fathers. Community groups and local governments held seminars and exhibitions showcasing artifacts and documents from the independence era.
Religious leaders also played a significant role in the celebrations, with special prayers and services held in churches and mosques nationwide. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led a prayer session calling for peace, unity, and continued progress for Ghana.
In addition to the official ceremonies, the day saw a surge in patriotic displays, with citizens donning traditional attire and waving the national flag. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages of pride and gratitude, as Ghanaians shared stories and images celebrating their rich heritage.
Founders’ Day, established as a public holiday in 2019, continues to serve as a reminder of Ghana’s journey to self-determination and the importance of national unity. This year’s celebrations, though marked with grandeur, also provided an opportunity for reflection on the country’s progress and the challenges that lie ahead.
As the sun set on another Founders’ Day, Ghanaians were reminded of their shared history and the collective responsibility to uphold the values of their forebears. The spirit of the day encapsulated the resilience and hope of a nation committed to forging a brighter future while honoring the legacy of its past