Stories and facts

Founders’ Day is a national holiday in Ghana that celebrates all the key figures, especially the Big Six, who played significant roles in the country’s fight for independence.

It was originally observed as Founder’s Day on 21 September to honour the birthday of Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a prominent leader in the independence movement. This earlier celebration focused solely on Nkrumah’s contribution.

Under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the holiday was renamed Founders’ Day to acknowledge the collective efforts of the Big Six.

The date of the celebration was also changed to 4 August, which marks two significant historical events: the formation of the Gold Coast Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society in 1897 and the establishment of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947.

The former date, 21 September, is now observed as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day to recognize his personal impact on Ghana’s independence.

The first official Founders’ Day took place on 4 August 2019. Since then, the day has been marked with public lectures, discussions, and patriotic activities involving traditional leaders, government officials, and civil society. These events aim to inspire national pride and educate citizens about the country’s history.

The revision of the holiday has not been without controversy. Political opposition parties such as the National Democratic Congress and the Convention People’s Party have criticized the change.

They argue that the new holiday distorts historical facts and is intended to elevate the role of J.B. Danquah, a relative of President Akufo-Addo and a founding member of the UGCC, at the expense of Nkrumah’s legacy.

Historians and academics have also raised concerns, suggesting that the redefinition of the day may cause division rather than unity.

Despite these debates, Founders’ Day continues to serve as an occasion for Ghanaians to reflect on their national journey and honor those who contributed to their country’s independence.

Explore the life of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, in the section below.