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Basic 1 · History · Why and How We Study History

Past Events in Our Community and Nation

In this topic you will learn about past events in your community and in Ghana.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Name past events in your community
  • Know when Ghana became independent
  • Explain why we remember past events

What you already know

  • Family and school history

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
History as a Subject
Sub-strand
Why and How We Study History
Indicator
B1.1.1.1.1 – Explain that history deals with past human activities

Introduction

Every year on 6th March, children march at the Independence Day parade. They remember the day Ghana became free in 1957.

1. Community Events

  • festivals like Homowo, Aboakyer and Damba
  • the building of a new market or clinic
  • the enstoolment of a chief

2. Ghana's Independence

Long ago, Ghana was ruled by Britain.

On 6th March 1957, Ghana became independent.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana's first leader.

School children marching at an Independence Day parade with Ghana flags
Figure 1: Independence Day parade Draw the Ghana flag.Illustration: Sirbus

Remember: Ghana's Independence Day is 6th March.

New words

community
The people and place where you live.
festival
A special celebration held every year.
independence
Being free to rule yourself.
parade
People marching together in a celebration.

Summary

  • Communities have past events like festivals.
  • Ghana became independent on 6th March 1957.
  • Dr Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana's first leader.

Class activity: Independence March

  1. Look at old photographs and pictures of Independence Day.
  2. March around the class like a parade.
  3. Say the date of Ghana's independence together.

You need: Old family photographs, Clay pot or calabash, Exercise books

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. When did Ghana become independent?

    • A. 6th March 1957
    • B. 1st July 1960
    • C. 25th December 2000
    • D. 1st January 1900
    Show answer
    Answer: 6th March 1957Ghana became free on 6th March 1957.

  2. 2. Who was Ghana's first leader?

    • A. Dr Kwame Nkrumah
    • B. Kwaku Ananse
    • C. A pastor
    • D. A teacher
    Show answer
    Answer: Dr Kwame NkrumahHe led Ghana to independence.

  3. 3. Homowo is a festival.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueThe Ga people celebrate Homowo.

  4. 4. Independence Day is on 25th December.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseIt is on 6th March.

  5. 5. Being free to rule yourself is ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: independenceThat is the meaning of independence.

  6. 6. Why do we celebrate 6th March?

    Show answer
    Answer: It is the day Ghana became independent in 1957.We remember our freedom.

Homework

  1. Ask an adult about a festival in your community. When is it celebrated?