Stories and facts

On November 4, 1961, Accra was severely impacted by two bomb explosions that sent shockwaves through the nation during a politically charged period leading up to Queen Elizabeth II’s scheduled visit. The first explosion targeted the feet of the imposing, life-size statue of President Kwame Nkrumah, which was prominently positioned outside Parliament House. This violent act was an attempt to undermine the authority and image of President Nkrumah’s government.

Shortly after, a second bomb detonated near the storeroom at the base of the iconic “Freedom and Justice” archway within Black Star Square, the very location where the Queen was to receive a military salute during her upcoming visit. The blast also caused injuries, including to a night watchman on duty, intensifying concerns about security and political instability during this critical diplomatic occasion.

These bombings preceded the arrival of Lord Duncan Sandy, the British Commonwealth Secretary, who was conducting a tour of Ghana to assess conditions ahead of the royal visit. The events aggravated tensions both within Ghana and between Ghana and Britain, raising fears of potential disruptions to the landmark state visit. Despite these threats, the Queen's visit took place later that month, symbolising a diplomatic effort to affirm Ghana's status as an independent nation navigating its post-colonial identity.

It is widely understood from various historical accounts and court records that these bombings were linked to a broader conspiracy involving political opposition figures intent on destabilising Nkrumah’s government. Notably, the attacks followed an earlier assassination attempt on President Nkrumah at Kulungugu in 1962. The bombings and related plots led to declarations of martial law and increased security crackdowns, highlighting the political volatility of the era.

Together, these incidents marked a period of intense political conflict in Ghana’s early years of independence, illustrating the challenges faced by the young republic in balancing internal dissent with international relations. The bomb attacks remain a significant chapter in Ghana’s history, symbolising both the fragility and resilience of its political landscape during the decolonisation era.

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