Flag of Ghana - Colors, Meaning, History ??

The national flag of Ghana consists of the Pan African tricolors red, green, and yellow with a black five-pointed star at the center. This flag is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty as well as the resilience of its people. The flag of Ghana was first hoisted on 6th March 1957. It symbolizes new beginnings for the people as well as their victory over their colonizers. Up to date, the flag of Ghana holds deep symbolism to its people and evokes a deep sense of patriotism.

History of the Flag of Ghana

At Midnight on 6th March 1957, the former British colony known as the Gold Coast became modern Ghana. The newly established nation took its name from the Great Sudanic Empire of Ghana, which existed from the 7th to 13th Centuries. This empire existed several hundred miles to the North West of Modern Ghana. By 1670, the country was home to the Ashanti Empire. This empire is one of the most studied in the world due to its sophisticated hierarchy, military prowess, wealth and architecture. Before the arrival of the British, the Portuguese and the Dutch engaged in trade in the country.

In 1874, when the British invaded Ghana, they attacked the capital of the empire, Kumasi. They declared the lands of the Kingdom a British Crown Colony of the Gold Coast. However, the locals continued to resist the British even as they were expanding their power to regions north of the Asante lands. By 1901, the British finally defeated the Asante. Territories known as the Gold Coast, Northern provinces and Asante lands all became part of the British protectorate.

In 1935, the country had its first flag. This flag was known as the national flag of Ashanti. It consisted of tricolors yellow, black, and green, respectively. In the middle of the black stripe was a yellow stool. This stool represented the golden stool that had been a symbol of Ashanti’s absolute monarchy. The flag was introduced by Ashanti Emperor Asantehene Prempeh II when he took an oath of office after the restoration of the Ashanti empire. The flag, however, was not adopted nationally or officially as the British were still in control.

After World War II, the Africans who fought alongside British soldiers began to demand the same rights as the British in their countries. The British responded to this demand by granting the Africans a bit of power. In 1946, the Gold Coast constitution was established. This constitution allowed Africans to be elected to a majority in the Legislative Council. However, the British governor of the Gold Coast and his cabinet still had most of the control. A new official flag was eventually adopted. This flag had a blue background with the flag of England at the Upper left corner. Opposite the flag of England was a yellow circle with the image of an elephant, a palm tree, a green landscape, and a rising sun in the background. The initials G.C were placed within the circle representing the country’s name, the Gold Coast. This flag was used until 1957.

Kwame Nkurumah, Ghana’s first President, Prime Minister, and revolutionary led the country towards self-government in 1949 using the Convention People’s Party. The movement had its flag that consisted of tricolors red, white, green. This flag became a symbol of self-reliance and modernization across the country. In 1952, the country attained self-governance. Eventually, in 1957 the country gained independence. The first flag that was officially adopted after from 1958 to 1961 freedom was tri-colored red, yellow, and green. Between the yellow stripe in the middle consisted of two black five-pointed stars. It represented the Ghana-Guinea-Mali. The three countries were known as the Union of African States. However, this organization was short-lived and was disbanded by 1963. Between 1961 to 1964, the second flag of the union of African states had a new star to represent Mali, which had joined the union in 1961.

In 1964 when the Union of African States was disbanded, a new flag was adopted. This new flag consisted of the colors red, white, and green, with white appearing in the middle. At the center of the white stripe was a black star. The white line represented the ruling Conventional People’s Party. Nkurumah sought to improve the lives of Ghanaians. As a result, he declared himself president for life. He imprisoned his opponents and banned all political parties except the Conventional People’s Party. Unfortunately, his administration became corrupt. By 1966, the country was one billion dollars in debt.

On February 24th, 1966, the Ghanian military seized power and removed Nkurumah from office. The red, white, green-colored flag was also removed in favor of the original red, yellow, green-colored flag. This flag was made official on February 28th, 1966.

What is the meaning behind the colors of the Flag of Ghana?

Colors
The colors of the flag of Ghana are the traditional Pan African colors red, yellow, and green. The red symbolizes the bloodshed and struggles for independence. The yellow/gold is a symbol of the country’s mineral wealth whereas green is a symbol of the country’s forests and natural wealth.

Emblem
At the center of the flag is a black five-pointed star. This flag is a symbol of African Emancipation.

Shape
The width to length ratio of the flag is 2:3. The three horizontal stripes are equal in form.

Interesting Facts about the Flag of Ghana

The flag was designed by Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh. She was a teacher, stateswoman, and artist. She chose those colors to represent the abundant natural resources and mineral wealth of the country. She also chose red to symbolize those who fought for independence.
The flag of Ghana was the second in Africa to adopt the Pan African colors. The colors were taken from the flag of Ethiopia which was the first independent state and became a symbol of freedom.
The black star at the center of the flag is also known as the ‘lodestar of African Freedom.’ It was derived from the flag of the Black Star Line. This was a shipping line that was incorporated by Marcus Garvey and operated from 1919 to 1922. The shipping line worked to return the slave population to their home continent. The country’s national football team, ‘Black Stars,’ got their name from there.
The country of Guinea Bissau adopted a similar flag in 1973.
This version of the flag of Ghana was first adopted in 1957. Then it was dropped and reinstated in 1966.
The flag of Portugal and the Flag of Sweden were also used in the country at the time when Ghana was known as the Gold Coast. The Flag of the Swedish Gold, which was the name given to the Gold Coast (Ghana) was yellow, blue, and white-colored.
The Germans also had their colony in the region and their flag.

Do you know any other interesting facts about the flag of Ghana? Share your thoughts below.