Independence Square
A symbol of Indepencence and Ghana's struggle for liberation from British colonial rule
The Black Star Square (1961) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
The Square
The Black Star Square or Independence Square is a major landmark on the edge of Accra standing between the Atlantic Ocean and the district of Osu. One of the largest public squares in the world, it was built by Ghana's founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah after Ghana became the first colonized African country to gain its independence on 6th March, 1957.
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A national meeting point
The square was built to commemorate the new nation's independence and promote the values of national unity and self-reliance. It was completed in 1961 and served as an inspiration for other countries on the African continent seeking independence from European colonial rule.
The Black Star Square (1961) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Square and stands
The Black Star Square has 8 seating stands with a seating capacity of 30,000. There are 3 stands each on the Eastern and Western sections of the square and one each on either side of the Independence Arch. There are red, gold and green stripes along the frontal sides of the roofs with Black Stars in the centre, symbolising the national flag.
The arch of independence
The Atlantic Ocean forms a scenic backdrop to the Arch of Independence. It sits right at the back of the Black Star Square and is in alignment with the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and the Black Star Gate. It has a two-level staircase leading to two viewing platforms.
The Black Star of Africa
The five-pointed Black Star in front of the monument can also be found on the top of the Black Star Gate. It proclaims Ghana as the Black Star of Africa, an image which runs through several national symbols.
Former President Bill Clinton's visit to Ghana (1998-03-23) by U.S Embassy GhanaHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
President Clinton visits Ghana
On March 23rd 1998, US President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, together with President Jerry John Rawlings and First Lady Nana Konadu Rawlings, were greeted by a large, cheering crowd of tens of thousands at the Independence Square after President Clinton addressed the largest crowd of his presidency. It was estimated that there were half a million people there on that day.
Statue at The Memorial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Memorial of the tomb of the unknown soldier
The Memorial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial in honour of Ghanaian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and II. The monument features an eternal flame and steps leading to a platform for wreath-laying.
The Memorial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A figure of a soldier, armed with a rifle, in uniform with a backpack is a replica of the kit worn by Ghanaian ex-servicemen during the two World Wars. The shooting and killing of 3 such veterans in a peaceful march to protest about unpaid benefits they were promised by the British government, triggered the riots which eventually led to the independence of Ghana.
The Black Star Gate (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
The Black Star Gate
The Black Star Gate is centred on the Independence Square in the middle of a roundabout. It is flanked by two fountains and has a ceremonial driveway running through its arch. It is in the style of triumphal arches used to commemorate victories in battle, in the distinctive architecture associated with ancient Rome.
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Take a tour of the Black Star Gate
The Black Star Gate (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
The Black Star Gate was commissioned by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah to signify triumph in the fight against colonialism, victory in the struggle for independence and sovereignty for the newly independent nation. The inscription “AD 1957, Freedom and Justice” can be found at the top of both sides of the monument referencing the year when Ghana won freedom from British rule.
The Black Star Gate is crowned by a large sculpture of a black star which depicts Ghana as the Black Star of Africa. Nkrumah became aware of the writings of Marcus Garvey as a student and wove his black star symbolism into the nation’s identity, also using it to name the national shipping line and the national football team, the Black Stars.
Plaque at the Blackstar Gate (1961) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Queen Elizabeth II visits Ghana
The completion of the Black Star Square coincided with the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ghana in 1961. On the 1st of July 1960, Ghana became a republic. A plaque commemorating the first anniversary of Ghana’s Republic Day was unveiled by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Queen Elizabeth II on 1st July 1961 during her visit to Ghana.
By Paul SchutzerLIFE Photo Collection
Preserving the Commonwealth with Nkrumah's influence
It was the queen's first visit to Ghana and was aimed at encouraging Nkrumah to keep Ghana in the Commonwealth. At a state dinner in her honor, she indicated that nations could disagree without members needing to leave. With hindsight, she achieved her objective and the Commonwealth remained intact.
