Ghanaian 10 cedi note depicting the Big Six

They organized Ghana’s first political party, channeling constructive impatience into a campaign for independence.

Ghana’s Big Six Independence Leaders
Ebenezer Ako-Adjei
1916–2002, b. Adjeikrom, Ghana; worked in Accra
Edward Akufo-Addo
1906–1979, b. Dodowa, Ghana; worked in Accra
William Ofori Atta
1910–1988, b. Akyem Abuakwa, Ghana; worked in Accra
J.B. Danquah
1895–1965, b. Bepong, Ghana; worked in Accra
Kwame Nkrumah
1909–1972, b. Nkroful, Ghana; worked in Accra
Emmaneul Obetsebi-Lamptey
1902–1963, b. Ode, Ghana; worked in Accra

Unless Colonial Government is changed and a new Government of the people and their Chiefs installed at the centre immediately, the conduct of masses now completely out of control with strikes . . . will continue . . . Working Committee United Gold Coast Convention declare they are prepared and ready to take over interim Government.

We ask in name of oppressed, inarticulate, misruled and misgoverned people and their Chiefs that Special Commissioner be sent out immediately to hand over Government to interim Government of Chief and People and to witness immediate calling of Constituent Assembly.
—United Gold Convention leaders (Accra) to Secretary of State (London), telegram, February 28, 1948
• The ‘Big Six’ were the leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a political party founded by J.B. Danquah in 1947 to push for self-government.
• On Feb. 28, 1948, a peaceful demonstration in Accra for pay owed by veterans who fought for Britain in World War II was met with gunfire, killing three people. Horrified by the incident, the ‘Big Six’ called for full and immediate self-rule. They were all arrested.
• In prison, the group earned their collective nickname, and became a symbol for the country’s self-determination. One—Kwame Nkrumah—would use the added notoriety to build a new political party, which would eventually carry him to power.