Stories and facts

In the aftermath of escalating disturbances that happened on 28th February 1948, the Governor of the Gold Coast colony, Sir Gerald Creasy ordered the arrest of six leading figures of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) on 12th March 1948 dubbed "The Big Six."

This group included Kwame Nkrumah, who the Governor believed was responsible for inciting unrest that resulted in the deaths of 3 ex-servicemen, Seargent Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lampetey.

Meanwhile, educated elites criticised the Governor of the time, Sir Gerald Creasy (referred to as "Crazy Creasy"), for his handling of the country's challenges, which they believed fueled the 28th February 1948 riots.

In response to the unrest, Sir Gerald Creasy issued a Removal Order, leading to the arrest and detention of the six UGCC leaders: Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Kwame Nkrumah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, and William Ofori Atta.

Following their arrests, they were relocated to the Northern Territories on March 12, 1948.

These events occurred around the time when disagreements over the strategy for achieving independence began to surface among Kwame Nkrumah and the other members.

By 1949, Nkrumah had parted ways with the UGCC and established the Convention People’s Party (CPP), drawing widespread support from the population.

Through a campaign known as "Positive Action," the CPP played a pivotal role in dismantling the Gold Coast colony, ultimately leading to Ghana's independence on March 6, 1957.

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