Stories and facts

African Union Day in Ghana holds a special place as a national holiday dedicated to commemorating the founding of the African Union (AU) and emphasizing the unity and solidarity among African nations. This day serves as an annual reminder of the shared history and culture of the continent, promoting the vision of a united and prosperous Africa. Marked by a series of events, including cultural performances, parades, and discussions addressing progress and challenges, African Union Day provides Ghanaians with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of pan-Africanism and recommit to continental unity and development.

The origins of African Union Day can be traced back to the First Congress of Independent African States, held in Accra, Ghana, on April 15, 1958. Convened by Ghana's Prime Minister, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the conference brought together representatives from various African nations, excluding the Union of South Africa. This historic gathering showcased the progress of liberation movements on the continent and symbolized the determination of Africans to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.

The conference called for the establishment of an African Freedom Day, dedicated to marking the onward progress of the liberation movement and symbolizing the determination to break free from foreign domination.

This historic gathering laid the foundation for subsequent meetings of African heads of state, culminating in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. This pivotal organization sought to unite African nations and support the decolonization efforts of Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, and Southern Rhodesia.

On May 25, 1963, representatives from thirty African nations met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the leadership of Emperor Haile Selassie. This meeting led to the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), with a commitment to encourage decolonization and improve living standards across member states. The OAU pledged support for freedom fighters and sought to remove military access to colonial nations.

While the OAU was eventually replaced by the African Union on July 9, 2002, the celebration of Africa Day continued on May 25 to honor the OAU's founding. The charter signed at the OAU meeting laid the groundwork for the celebration, initially named Africa Freedom Day and later renamed Africa Liberation Day.

Africa Day remains a global celebration, observed not only in Africa but around the world on May 25, with some celebrations stretching over days or weeks. Each year, a specific theme guides the celebrations, focusing on key issues facing the continent. Notably, the 2023 Africa Day celebration carries the slogan "Our Africa Our Future," emphasizing the aspirations and commitment to a brighter future for the continent.

Themes in previous years, such as the "Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa's Agenda 2063" in 2015, reflect the commitment to addressing critical issues. During celebrations, messages from global leaders, like Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson's in 2015, emphasize the need to intensify efforts for women's empowerment, education, work, and healthcare to accelerate Africa's transformation.

African Union Day in Ghana is a symbolic occasion that underscores the importance of unity, solidarity, and progress among African nations. It serves as an annual reflection on the shared history, achievements, and the ongoing commitment to a prosperous future for the continent.