Turning Points · 1957
Ghana Wins Its Independence
Accra, Ghana (city-level point; the independence site was the old British Polo Grounds)
What happened
On 6 March 1957, Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana free at last at the old British Polo Grounds in Accra, a ground that had been for Europeans only.
Why it matters
According to the Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation, Ghana was the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonialism.
What came next
The Organisation of African Unity was founded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963. Nkrumah's government was overthrown in 1966.
Did you know?
A bronze statue of Nkrumah stands at the old Polo Grounds, which is now Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Timeline
- 6 March 1957Nkrumah declares Ghana free.
- 25 May 1963The Organisation of African Unity is founded.
- 1966Nkrumah's government is overthrown.