When Ghana gained independence from Britain on March 6, 1957, the country entered a new era under the leadership of its first Prime Minister, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Beyond the famous declaration that ‘Ghana is free forever,’ Nkrumah quickly moved to shape the direction of the country.

Here are five notable things he did after independence:

1. Ghana declared a free and sovereign nation

At the historic independence ceremony at Independence Square, Nkrumah proclaimed the end of colonial rule, announcing that the Gold Coast would henceforth be known as Ghana.

The declaration symbolised the birth of the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in the post-World War II era.

2. Formed Ghana’s first independent government

Following independence, Nkrumah led the new government under the Convention People's Party. His administration began establishing institutions and policies needed to run a sovereign nation.

March 3, 1957: Key events that set the stage for Ghana's Independence

3. Championed African liberation and unity

Nkrumah made it clear that Ghana’s independence was tied to the freedom of the rest of the continent.

He strongly advocated Pan-Africanism and supported independence movements across Africa, helping position Ghana as a centre for African liberation efforts.

4. Expanded access to education

Recognising education as key to development, Nkrumah’s government introduced policies to expand schools across the country and improve access to secondary and higher education for Ghanaians.

5. Launched major development and industrialisation plans

Nkrumah pursued an ambitious development agenda aimed at modernising Ghana through infrastructure and industrial projects.

Among the most notable initiatives was the plan that later led to the construction of the Akosombo Dam to generate hydroelectric power for the country.

Together, these early steps have helped shape the political, economic and social direction of Ghana in the years following independence.

MRA/VPO

Did you know that there is a fort in Ghana that was not built for slavery? And did you know that it is in Elmina? Watch the story about Fort Jago here: