GENERAL NEWS

Ghana @66: Read Kwame Nkrumah’s speech on 3rd Independence Anniversary

On March 6, 1957, exactly 66 years ago today, Ghana declared its independence from colonial rule after several decades of under British governance.

But it was not until some three years later that Ghanaians assumed full reins of government with an actual government made up of Ghanaians as leaders.

Thus, Ghana became a republic on July 1, 1960.

But prior to becoming a republic, Ghana under Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah who later became the country’s first president had to take steps to define the constitutional and governance structure of the nation.

Consequently, on March 6, 1960, Dr Nkrumah’s address to the country on the occasion of the country’s third independence anniversary was largely on outlining of a roadmap designed by his Convention Peoples Party in bringing Ghana to a full republic status.

Dr Nkrumah in his anniversary speech outlined the framework of what would become Ghana’s first Constitution, process of electing a government, the structure and arms of the new government as well as their powers.

The address by Dr Kwame Nkrumah was delivered a few weeks to a referendum held on April 27, 1960.

The main issue was a change in the country’s status from a constitutional monarchy with Elizabeth II as head of state, to a republic with a presidential system of government.

The then prime minister in his anniversary address also called for the full participation of citizens in the exercise.

Being a full believer in the unity of Africa, his address also reiterated the need for a union African government and the preparedness of Ghana to its sovereignty “in whole or in pain the interest of a Union African States and Territories as soon as ever such union becomes practicable.

Read Dr Nkrumah’s full address below:

 

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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