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Coordinates: 5°32′51″N 0°11′33″W / 5.5476°N 0.1926°W / 5.5476; -0.1926
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{{short description|National public square in Ghana}}
{{short description|National public square in Ghana}}
[[File:Independence Square, Accra, Ghana.JPG|thumb|400px|Black Star Square]]
[[File:Independence Square, Accra, Ghana.JPG|thumb|400px|Black Star Square]]
'''Black Star Square''', also known as '''Independence Square''', is a [[public square]] in [[Accra]], [[Ghana]], bordered by the [[Accra Sports Stadium]] and the [[Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum|Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park]]. The square often hosts the annual independence celebrations as well as other national events. It is currently the site for all civic and military parades in Ghana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square|title=Black Star Square|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> It was completed in the year 1961, which coincided with the state visit of [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth's II]] to Ghana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square|title=Black Star Square|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref>
'''Black Star Square''', also known as '''Independence Square''', is a [[public square]] in [[Accra]], Ghana, bordered by the [[Accra Sports Stadium]] and the [[Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum|Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park]]. The square often hosts the annual independence celebrations as well as other national events, and is the site for all civic and military parades and other national gatherings. It was completed in 1961, in time for the state visit of [[Queen Elizabeth II]] to Ghana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square|title=Black Star Square|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref>
The Black Star Square is sited between [[ The 28th February Road ]] and The Accra's Southern Coastline. <ref>{{ Cite web | url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square | title=Black Star Dqiarr| website=Atlas Obscura | language=en | access-date=2021-08-22}}</ref>
== History ==
== History ==


In 1957, Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister and president of Gold Coast, now Ghana after gaining independence from the British. [[Kwame Nkrumah]] commissioned the construction of the square to celebrate the nation's independence. It coincided with the visit of [[Queen Elizabeth II]]. Construction ended in 1961, and it was named Black Star Square.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ghana Salutes Queen Elizabeth|work=New York Times|date=Nov 19, 1961|id={{ProQuest|115275130}}}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Visit Ghana {{!}} Independence Square|url=https://visitghana.com/attractions/independence-square-1/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=Visit Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Kwame Nkrumah]] was the one who led [[Ghana]], formerly [[Gold Coast (British colony)|Gold Coast]] to gain Independence from Britain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square|title=Black Star Square|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref>
In 1957, Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister and president of Gold Coast, now Ghana, after gaining independence from the British. [[Kwame Nkrumah]] commissioned the construction of the square to celebrate the nation's independence. It coincided with the visit of [[Queen Elizabeth II]]. Construction ended in 1961, and it was named Black Star Square.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ghana Salutes Queen Elizabeth|work=New York Times|date=Nov 19, 1961|id={{ProQuest|115275130}}}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Visit Ghana {{!}} Independence Square|url=https://visitghana.com/attractions/independence-square-1/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=Visit Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Kwame Nkrumah]] was the one who led [[Ghana]], formerly [[Gold Coast (British colony)|Gold Coast]], to gain independence from Britain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-star-square|title=Black Star Square|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref>


== Importance ==
== Importance ==


Black Star Square is a site for Ghana's Independence Day parade, which falls on the 6th of March every year. A particularly notable parade was the Golden Jubilee, which was Ghana's 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule. The Golden Jubilee celebration occurred on March 6, 2007 and it was led by President [[John Kufuor|John Kuffour]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lentz|first=Carola|date=2013-09-16|title=Ghana@50. Celebrating the Nation. Debating the Nation|journal=Cahiers d'études africaines|language=en|volume=53|issue=211|pages=519–546|doi=10.4000/etudesafricaines.17405|issn=0008-0055|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ghana-independence-celebration-idUSL0146677420070306|title=Ghana celebrates 50 years that changed Africa|date=2007-03-06|agency=Reuters|access-date=2019-11-12|language=en}}</ref> It also hosts all major national public gatherings and national festivals.<ref>[http://www.ghana-net.com/accra-independence-square-and-black-star-gate Black Star Square and Black Star Gate]. ''Ghana-Net.com''.</ref> Every visitor is free to take pictures of buildings, including the Black Star Gate.
Black Star Square is a site for Ghana's Independence Day parade, which falls on 6 March every year. A particularly notable parade was the Golden Jubilee, which was Ghana's 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule. The Golden Jubilee celebration occurred on March 6, 2007, and it was led by President [[John Kufuor|John Kuffour]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lentz|first=Carola|date=2013-09-16|title=Ghana@50. Celebrating the Nation. Debating the Nation|journal=Cahiers d'études africaines|language=en|volume=53|issue=211|pages=519–546|doi=10.4000/etudesafricaines.17405|issn=0008-0055|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ghana-independence-celebration-idUSL0146677420070306|title=Ghana celebrates 50 years that changed Africa|date=2007-03-06|agency=Reuters|access-date=2019-11-12|language=en}}</ref> It also hosts all major national public gatherings and national festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black Star Gate |url=http://ghana-net.com/black-star-gate.html |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=NO CoVax Ghana-Net.com |language=en}}</ref>


== Structure ==
== Structure ==


In Independence Square are stands that can seat 30,000 people. The square boasts three monuments that encapsulate the fight for independence and liberation. This includes the [[Independence Arch (Accra)|Independence Arch]], the [[Liberation Day Monument]], and the [[Black Star Monument]], also known as the Black Star Gate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tourghananow.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-black-star-square.html|title=TOURING ACCRA: THE BLACK STAR SQUARE|last=Unknown|date=2013-10-15|website=TOURING ACCRA|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> A statue of a soldier facing the Independence Arch symbolizes the Ghanaians who lost their lives fighting for Ghana's independence.
In Independence Square there are stands that can seat 30,000 people. The square boasts three monuments that encapsulate the fight for independence and liberation. This includes the [[Independence Arch (Accra)|Independence Arch]], the [[Liberation Day Monument]], and the [[Black Star Gate]], also known as the Black Star Monument.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tourghananow.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-black-star-square.html|title=TOURING ACCRA: THE BLACK STAR SQUARE|last=Unknown|date=2013-10-15|website=TOURING ACCRA|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> A statue of a soldier facing the Independence Arch symbolizes the Ghanaians who lost their lives fighting for Ghana's independence.


== Major Events ==
== Major events ==
* On March 24, 1998, over 500,000 people gathered at the square to welcome former U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] and his wife, [[Hillary Clinton]]. This event marked the first U.S. president to visit Ghana.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The History of Ghana.|last=GOCKING, ROGER S.|date=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=1282417908|oclc=732281154}}</ref>
The state funerals for presidents [[John Atta Mills]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19204106|title=Funeral held for Ghana president|date=2012-08-10|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> and [[Jerry Rawlings]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-01-27|title=Rawlings funeral: Ghanaians bid farewell to ex-president|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55826051|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref> and for vice-president [[Aliu Mahama]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-18|title=Hundreds attend Aliu Mahama’s funeral in Accra|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=256773|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.ghanaweb.com}}</ref> were held at the square. On March 24, 1998, over 500,000 people gathered at the square to welcome former U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] and his wife, [[Hillary Clinton]]. This was the first visit to Ghana by a U.S. president.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The History of Ghana|last=Gocking |first=Roger S.|date=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=1282417908|oclc=732281154}}</ref>
* On August 10, 2012, the state funeral of late President [[John Atta Mills]] was held at the square.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19204106|title=Funeral held for Ghana president|date=2012-08-10|access-date=2019-11-13|language=en-GB}}</ref>
* On November 18, 2012, the state funeral the late former Vice-President [[Aliu Mahama]] was held at the square.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-18|title=Hundreds attend Aliu Mahama’s funeral in Accra|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=256773|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}</ref>
* On January 27, 2021, the state funeral of late former President [[Jerry Rawlings]] took place at the square.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-01-27|title=Rawlings funeral: Ghanaians bid farewell to ex-president|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55826051|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Independence]]
[[Category:Independence]]
[[Category:Kwame Nkrumah]]
[[Category:Kwame Nkrumah]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Ghana]]

Latest revision as of 04:39, 7 March 2024

Black Star Square

Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is a public square in Accra, Ghana, bordered by the Accra Sports Stadium and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The square often hosts the annual independence celebrations as well as other national events, and is the site for all civic and military parades and other national gatherings. It was completed in 1961, in time for the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ghana.[1]

History

[edit]

In 1957, Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister and president of Gold Coast, now Ghana, after gaining independence from the British. Kwame Nkrumah commissioned the construction of the square to celebrate the nation's independence. It coincided with the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. Construction ended in 1961, and it was named Black Star Square.[2][3] Kwame Nkrumah was the one who led Ghana, formerly Gold Coast, to gain independence from Britain.[4]

Importance

[edit]

Black Star Square is a site for Ghana's Independence Day parade, which falls on 6 March every year. A particularly notable parade was the Golden Jubilee, which was Ghana's 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule. The Golden Jubilee celebration occurred on March 6, 2007, and it was led by President John Kuffour.[5][6] It also hosts all major national public gatherings and national festivals.[7]

Structure

[edit]

In Independence Square there are stands that can seat 30,000 people. The square boasts three monuments that encapsulate the fight for independence and liberation. This includes the Independence Arch, the Liberation Day Monument, and the Black Star Gate, also known as the Black Star Monument.[8] A statue of a soldier facing the Independence Arch symbolizes the Ghanaians who lost their lives fighting for Ghana's independence.

Major events

[edit]

The state funerals for presidents John Atta Mills[9] and Jerry Rawlings,[10] and for vice-president Aliu Mahama,[11] were held at the square. On March 24, 1998, over 500,000 people gathered at the square to welcome former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton. This was the first visit to Ghana by a U.S. president.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Black Star Square". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2020-01-16.
  2. ^ "Ghana Salutes Queen Elizabeth". New York Times. Nov 19, 1961. ProQuest 115275130..
  3. ^ "Visit Ghana | Independence Square". Visit Ghana. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  4. ^ "Black Star Square". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2020-01-16.
  5. ^ Lentz, Carola (2013-09-16). "Ghana@50. Celebrating the Nation. Debating the Nation". Cahiers d'études africaines. 53 (211): 519–546. doi:10.4000/etudesafricaines.17405. ISSN 0008-0055.
  6. ^ "Ghana celebrates 50 years that changed Africa". Reuters. 2007-03-06. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  7. ^ "Black Star Gate". NO CoVax Ghana-Net.com. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  8. ^ Unknown (2013-10-15). "TOURING ACCRA: THE BLACK STAR SQUARE". TOURING ACCRA. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
  9. ^ "Funeral held for Ghana president". 2012-08-10. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
  10. ^ "Rawlings funeral: Ghanaians bid farewell to ex-president". BBC News. 2021-01-27. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
  11. ^ "Hundreds attend Aliu Mahama's funeral in Accra". www.ghanaweb.com. 2012-11-18. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
  12. ^ Gocking, Roger S. (2005). The History of Ghana. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 1282417908. OCLC 732281154.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Independence Square (Ghana).

5°32′51″N 0°11′33″W / 5.5476°N 0.1926°W / 5.5476; -0.1926

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