Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day is a special occasion dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the life of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the visionary leader who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s history. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah served as the first President of Ghana and was a prominent figure in the nation’s journey to independence.
This significant day is marked by a series of events and informative lectures that serve as a tribute to Dr Nkrumah’s remarkable achievements and enduring legacy. To understand the historical context, it’s crucial to look back to 1874 when parts of Ghana were under British control, known as the British Gold Coast. However, in the post-World War II era, a strong desire for self-rule began to emerge, leading Ghana to a historic milestone. On March 6th, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence.
Happy Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day!#IntegriProcedamus#GoToUniversity pic.twitter.com/fMmcrLRCHD
— University of Ghana (@UnivofGh) September 21, 2021
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a driving force behind Ghana’s quest for independence, founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and assumed the role of Ghana’s inaugural President in 1960. Shortly thereafter, on July 1st, 1960, Ghana was officially declared a republic.
Tragically, in February 1966, while Dr. Nkrumah was on an official state visit to Vietnam and China, his government was toppled in a military coup. He was unable to return to Ghana and spent the remainder of his life in exile, passing away in April 1972.
Until 2019, September 21st was observed as Founder’s Day, a public holiday dedicated to honoring Kwame Nkrumah as the founder of modern-day Ghana. This date was chosen to coincide with the centenary of Kwame Nkrumah’s birth in 1909, serving as a day of remembrance for his significant contributions to Ghana’s history and its path to independence.
