It is important to know a little history about every country you become resident of. So in this new series, we are going to take Green Views’ tenants through certain historic events, people, and things that are part of the history of Ghana. Let us begin with the national flag.
Meaning of the Ghana national flag
The Ghana national flag was designed in 1957 by the late Theodosia Okoh and has four colors— red, gold, green, and a black five-pointed star in the centre of the gold stripe. It is the second African flag after the flag of the Ethiopian Empire to feature these colors.
What is the meaning of each color?
- The red represents the blood of those who died for the struggle for independence from colonial masters Great Britain.
- The gold also represents the country’s abundant mineral resources. As you may be aware, Ghana is the second country in Africa after South Africa with the largest gold reserves. It also has bauxite in large commercial quantities.
- The green as can be rightly guessed, symbolizes the rich forests and natural wealth. Ghana is rich in green vegetation and has lots of natural wealth such as timber which has long been one of the country’s leading exports.
The black star
And lastly, the black star. The black star is a symbol of African emancipation from slavery. As it is rightly known, Ghana is the first country in Africa to gain independence. And it needed a symbol to inspire other African countries to also fight for freedom, hence, the black star.
Importance of the Ghana national flag
Black Star Square – also known as Independence Square – in Accra, Ghana,
More than a symbol of pride and nationalism, the Ghana national flag is a testament and a symbol of gaining independence after decades of fighting to overrule the British colonial government.
On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule. This movement prompted several independence movements in other African countries, so it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge its meaning for future generations.
If you wish to know more about the meaning of other Ghana’s national symbols, make sure to check our posts on Ghana’s Coat of Arms and Ghana’s National Anthem.
