Ghana News
Ghana’s Independence Day Traditions: A Vibrant Celebration of Freedom, Pride & Unity
Every year on March 6, Ghanaians commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957—the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve this milestone.
Independence Day is Ghana’s most important national holiday, blending official ceremony, cultural pride, family gatherings, and joyful community events.
Here are the key traditions that define the day across the country:
1. Official National Parade & Presidential Address
- The centerpiece is the grand national parade. In past years the parade has been held at Black Star Square in Accra. In 2025, President John Mahama held it at the Jubilee House forecourt in recent years to save costs.
- Schoolchildren, military contingents, police, immigration, fire service, prisons service, and cadet groups march in colourful uniforms.
- The President delivers the State of the Nation Address or a special Independence Day message, reviewing progress and setting the year’s tone. Because the President has already presented the State of the Nation Address to Parliament, he is expected to deliver a special message tomorrow.
- The national flag is raised at midnight (or during the ceremony), accompanied by the national anthem and 21-gun salute.
2. School & Youth Parades
- Another important tradition on Independence Day in Ghana is that schools nationwide organize mini-parades, cultural displays, and speeches.
- Children wear school uniforms or traditional attire, perform drills, dance, and recite poems about Nkrumah, independence heroes, and national unity.
- Inter-school competitions (drill, cultural dance, debates) are common, especially in regional capitals.
3. Cultural & Traditional Displays
- Many communities and chiefs hold durbars (traditional gatherings) with drumming, dancing, and libations.
- Kente cloth, smocks (fugu/batakari), and other traditional outfits dominate public spaces.
- Highlife, hiplife, and traditional music fill the air—festivals often feature brass bands, masquerades, and cultural troupes.
4. Family & Community Gatherings
- Families come together for special meals: jollof rice, fufu with light soup, waakye, banku with tilapia, grilled tilapia, kelewele, and other festive dishes.
- Red, gold, and green (the national colours) appear everywhere—flags, clothing, decorations.
- Many people travel to hometowns or villages to celebrate with extended family.
5. Patriotic Symbolism & Reflection
- Wreath-laying ceremonies at the Independence Monument and tombs of national heroes (including Nkrumah’s mausoleum).
- Churches, mosques, and traditional shrines hold special services and prayers for peace, progress, and unity.
- Media and social platforms flood with tributes to Kwame Nkrumah and other independence pioneers.
6. Evening Entertainment & Fireworks
- Concerts, comedy shows, and live performances often take place in major cities.
- Fireworks displays light up the night sky in Accra (not so much these days) and other regional capitals.
- Many Ghanaians gather at beaches, parks, or open spaces for music and relaxation.
Modern Twists (2020s)
- Social media challenges with people posting in kente or national colours. Hashtags are likely to trend as part of the challenges from tomorrow are #GhanaAt69, #IndependenceDay, #BlackStarPride.
- Diaspora events in London, New York, Toronto, and Dubai often include flag-raising, food fairs, and cultural shows.
- Youth-led initiatives: clean-up exercises, tree planting, and community service under the Independence Day theme.
Ghana’s Independence Day is a living expression of pride, resilience, and hope. From the formal parade to backyard jollof parties, the day unites Ghanaians at home and abroad in celebrating the journey since 1957.
Ghana News
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Honoured as Former and Current Ghanaian Presidents Receive Commemorative Gold Coin
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been formally presented with a specially minted commemorative gold coin in his honor, alongside three distinguished Ghanaian leaders — former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama.
The high-profile presentation, part of activities tied to the 2021 launch of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin, recognizes the Asantehene’s immense contributions to peace, national development, and democratic stability in Ghana.
Upon receiving the coin, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed humility, stating that he accepted the honor on behalf of the Asante Kingdom and the entire nation.

Former president Akufo-Addo described the gesture as a fitting tribute to the King’s legacy.
He particularly thanked Otumfuo for his instrumental role in facilitating lasting peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area during his administration.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was effusive in his praise, declaring that Otumfuo’s mediation in the Dagbon conflict, alongside two other traditional leaders, was of Nobel Peace Prize standard. Kufuor also credited the Asantehene with playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in Ghana’s successful exit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which resulted in the cancellation of approximately $4 billion in external debt.
President John Dramani Mahama also lauded Otumfuo’s statesmanship.
He highlighted the King’s significant contribution to securing Ghana’s 2016 IMF bailout program, which helped stabilize the economy at a critical time. Mahama further described Otumfuo as a consistent voice of wisdom in Ghana’s democratic journey since the Rawlings era, noting that the Asantehene has offered valuable counsel during numerous national crises.
The presentation of the commemorative gold coin underscores the deep respect and influence Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commands across Ghana’s political divide, transcending party lines and generations.
Ghana News
Macron, Mahama Held Reparations Talks During Ghana Leader’s Paris Visit: French Ambassador Reveals
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama discussed the issue of reparatory justice during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris, France’s Ambassador to Ghana has disclosed.
Madam Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, revealed the high-level engagement during her first press briefing in Accra, confirming that both leaders expressed willingness to continue dialogue on the matter.
The disclosure comes just weeks after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution on March 25, 2026, spearheaded by Ghana on behalf of the African Union with backing from Caribbean states. The resolution calls for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and encourages efforts toward reparatory justice.
France abstained from the vote, a decision the Ambassador addressed directly.
“President Mahama and President Macron discussed this issue during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris,” Madam Dimé-Labille told journalists. “Both sides expressed willingness to continue engagement on the matter.”
The Ambassador stated that France fully recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity within its legal framework – noting that France was the first country to formally adopt such recognition more than two decades ago.
However, she explained that certain legal considerations influenced France’s position on the wording of the resolution, leading to its abstention alongside other European Union member states.
France, she said, supported the broader intent of the resolution but sought a more consensual formulation aligned with established classifications under international law.
“The resolution is not the end, it is the beginning,” Madam Dimé-Labille said, expressing optimism about the way forward.
She indicated that France is prepared to contribute meaningfully to future discussions, including a proposed coalition of states expected to explore practical pathways toward reparatory justice, potentially hosted in Ghana.
Drawing on her background in international law, the Ambassador explained that establishing a clear legal basis for reparations at the global level remains complex. Unlike other historical cases where compensation frameworks were backed by binding international mechanisms, there is currently no specific legal instrument governing reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
Progress, she said, is therefore likely to be driven by dialogue, cooperation, and political consensus among states – a process in which the Macron-Mahama conversation represents an early but significant step.
Madam Dimé-Labille described the UN resolution’s adoption, with more than 120 countries voting in favour, as an “overwhelming success” and a significant milestone reflecting growing global consensus on addressing historical injustices.
She also broadened the definition of reparatory justice beyond financial compensation, pointing to areas such as reform of global financial systems, debt considerations, education, and historical research as part of the wider conversation.
“Reparation is not only about financial compensation,” she said.
Ghana has taken a leading role in advancing the reparations agenda internationally, positioning itself at the forefront of calls for historical justice and equitable global systems. The Macron-Mahama talks signal that major European powers are prepared to engage with that agenda, even as legal and procedural differences remain.
The Ambassador reiterated France’s broader commitment to addressing historical issues, including ongoing efforts to acknowledge aspects of its past and support the return of African cultural artefacts.
“Continued dialogue and partnership will be essential in shaping a shared understanding of reparatory justice and its implications,” she said.
Ghana News
Cheddar Declares ‘I Will Be President Sooner Than Later’, Remittances to Ghana Hit Record $7.8bn and Other Big Stories Today
We’ve curated the most important stories shaping Ghana today for a global audience. From bold political statements and record gains in non-traditional exports and remittances to government efforts to cut tomato imports, this roundup keeps you informed on key developments across the country—wherever you are in the world.
Cheddar Declares He Will Become President ‘Sooner Than Later’
Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar and founder of the New Force movement, has confidently declared his ambition to become President of Ghana. Speaking at the Africa Real Estate Festival on April 18, 2026, the 2024 presidential candidate — who placed third with 84,478 votes — told the audience: “I know you all saw me running for president. I probably looked too young, but I’m promising you I will be your president sooner than later.” He added that upon taking office he would extend his vision across African borders to build the continent and its people.
Read the full story here
Government Targets Tomato Import Cuts as Vice-President Courts Major Investment in Spain
Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s push to reduce Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports through major agribusiness investments. During a meeting with GB Foods executives in Barcelona, she highlighted plans for technology-driven tomato production and value addition, including 6,000 hectares already secured in the Afram Plains. The partnership aims to boost local yields from the current average of five tonnes per hectare to as much as 60 tonnes using precision irrigation and specialised techniques, while creating jobs and including smallholder farmers.
Read the full story here
Mahama Vows to Keep Inflation in Single Digits After Sharp Decline
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to maintain inflation in single digits following its sharp drop to 3.2%. Speaking at the University of Development Studies on April 19, 2026, he noted that inflation stood above 24% when his administration took office and credited fiscal discipline, controlled public spending, and prudent management of petroleum prices for the improvement. The President said the government remains committed to keeping inflation below 4% through continued macroeconomic stability measures.
Read the full story here
Ghana’s Top 10 Non-Traditional Exports Skyrocket to $3.28bn
Ghana’s non-traditional exports recorded historic growth in 2025, with the top 10 products generating $3.28 billion, a 53% increase from $2.15 billion in 2024. Cocoa paste led the list at $789.3 million, followed by cocoa butter ($635.7 million) and cashew nuts ($297.6 million), while shea nuts and aluminium products also posted strong gains. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority report shows processed and value-added goods now dominate, accounting for 65.48% of total non-traditional export earnings and signalling successful economic diversification.
Read the full story here
Godfred Dame Alleges Judicial Bias and Warns of Threat to Public Confidence
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has raised serious concerns about alleged judicial bias, claiming some judges are enabling rights violations against New Patriotic Party (NPP) members through unjustified detentions and denial of bail. Speaking at the Leadership and Law Series on April 19, 2026, he warned that such actions, including prosecutions over public commentary, cast a slur on the judiciary’s integrity and independence, potentially eroding public trust in the justice system.
Read the full story here
NAiMOS Arrests Six Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining Along Nyaase River
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The April 18, 2026 operation recovered firearms, ammunition, vehicles, cash, and mining equipment while destroying excavators and washing platforms. The suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.
Read the full story here
Former Fuel Attendant Exposes Alleged Tactics Used to Cheat Customers
A former fuel station attendant has revealed alleged widespread practices of manipulating dispensers to short-change customers. Emmanuel Eshun claimed supervisors adjusted pumps to show higher prices and covered unit-price displays with Ghana Standards Authority stickers. He directed customers to tampered machines, allowing attendants to pocket significant extra cash — sometimes up to GH¢4,000 per day. He advised drivers always to verify unit prices on main signboards.
Read the full story here
Government to Launch WhatsApp System for Reporting Power Outages
Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has announced plans to introduce a WhatsApp-based system for Ghanaians to report power outages instantly. The new platform will allow users to send their location via message, enabling rapid dispatch of technical teams and bypassing traditional call centres. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve communication and service delivery in the electricity sector.
Read the full story here
Remittance Inflows Near $7.8bn in 2025, Surpassing Foreign Direct Investment
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has revealed that remittance inflows reached nearly $7.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.6 billion in 2024 and now exceeding foreign direct investment. Speaking at a diaspora roundtable in the United States, he described remittances — which account for about 6% of GDP — as a cornerstone of Ghana’s external sector and called for policies to channel more of these funds into productive investments.
Read the full story here
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