Stories and facts

The flag of Ghana was first raised on 6 March 1957, the day the Gold Coast attained independence and became the Republic of Ghana making it the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule.

Created by Ghanaian artist and educator Theodosia Salome Okoh, the flag comprises three horizontal bands of red, gold, and green, with a prominent black five-pointed star positioned in the centre of the gold stripe. The colour scheme draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s flag as a symbol of Pan-African pride.

Each colour carries deep significance: red represents the bloodshed and sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom, gold (or yellow) symbolises the nation’s rich mineral resources, and green stands for the fertile lands and lush vegetation.

The black star, often referred to as the “lodestar of African emancipation,” serves as a potent emblem of unity and resistance against colonialism, with its origins linked to Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line.

The design of Ghana’s flag underwent a notable alteration in 1964 when President Kwame Nkrumah replaced the gold stripe with white to reflect the ruling Convention People’s Party’s colours.

However, this change was short-lived following Nkrumah’s fall from power, Ghana restored the original red, gold, and green flag on 28 February 1966.

Today, this enduring banner stands as a proud symbol of Ghana’s independence, prosperity, and Pan-African solidarity. It is flown with honour across the country and recognised worldwide as a defining emblem of Ghanaian identity.

Read more about Ghana's history below: