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Basic 4 · History · Major Historical Locations

Historical Places in Accra

In this topic you will describe the history of historical places in Accra.

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

  • Describe the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
  • Describe Independence (Black Star) Square
  • Describe Christiansborg (Osu) Castle

What you already know

  • Important events in Ghana's history

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

Strand
My country Ghana
Sub-strand
Major Historical Locations
Indicator
B4.1.4.1.1 – Describe the history of Ghana's major historical locations

Introduction

Accra, the capital of Ghana, has many places that remind us of independence and our past.

1. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

  • It stands on the old Polo Grounds where Nkrumah declared independence at midnight on 5th–6th March 1957.
  • It holds the tombs of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia.
  • It has a museum about Nkrumah's life.

2. Independence Square (Black Star Square)

  • It was built in 1961 to celebrate independence.
  • It has the Independence Arch and the Black Star Gate.
  • Independence Day parades are held there.
Independence (Black Star) Square in Accra
Figure 1: Independence Square, Accra Draw the Black Star Gate.Photo: DebyDB93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Christiansborg (Osu) Castle

  • It was built by the Danes in the 17th century.
  • It later became the seat of the British colonial government.
  • After independence, it was the seat of government for many years.
  • The 1948 shooting of ex-servicemen happened at the crossroads near the castle.

New words

memorial
A place built to remember someone.
mausoleum
A building holding a tomb.
parade
A public procession or march.
seat of government
Where a country's leaders work.
Danes
People from Denmark.
arch
A curved structure.

Summary

  • The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park marks where independence was declared.
  • Independence Square was built in 1961 for national parades.
  • Christiansborg Castle was built by the Danes and later used by governments.
  • These places remind us of our journey to freedom.

Class activity: Accra History Map

  1. Find Accra on the Ghana map.
  2. Mark the three places on a sketch of Accra.
  3. Write one fact about each.

You need: Ghana map, Printed photographs of major Ghanaian historical sites, Locally made site-name cards

Exercises

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

  1. 1. Where is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park?

    • A. Accra
    • B. Kumasi
    • C. Cape Coast
    • D. Tamale
    Show answer
    Answer: AccraIt is in the capital.

  2. 2. When was Independence Square built?

    • A. 1961
    • B. 1957
    • C. 1482
    • D. 1993
    Show answer
    Answer: 1961To celebrate independence.

  3. 3. Who built Christiansborg Castle?

    • A. The Danes
    • B. The Portuguese
    • C. The Swedes
    • D. The Dutch
    Show answer
    Answer: The DanesIn the 17th century.

  4. 4. Nkrumah's tomb is at the Memorial Park.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueWith his wife Fathia's.

  5. 5. Independence Day parades are held at Elmina Castle.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseThey are held at Independence Square.

  6. 6. A place built to remember someone is a ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: memorialThat is a memorial.

  7. 7. Why is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park important?

    Show answer
    Answer: It marks where independence was declared and holds Nkrumah's tomb.It honours Ghana's first leader.

  8. 8. What happened near Christiansborg in 1948?

    Show answer
    Answer: Ex-servicemen marching to the castle were shot at the crossroads, which led to riots.It sped up the independence struggle.

Homework

  1. Ask an adult if they have visited any of these places.