The independence of Ghana in 1957 marked the a turning point in Africa, it played a great role in ensuring the rest of the continent is liberated from colonial rule, and this cause was led by Kwame Nkrumah.
The following is role played by Ghana to African nationalism
- The independence of Ghana in 1957 inspired many African to fight for their independence as well. Kwame Nkrumah acted as limelight to other African states that were still under colonialism to fight for their independence. This is one of the reasons that encouraged African to use armed struggle so as to attain their independence.
- Ghana under Kwame Nkrumah provided financial support to most of the nationalist movements in Africa that were fighting for the independence. The financial and moral support provided by Nkrumah inspired many African countries to fight against colonial rule
- Following the independence of Ghana in 1957, Accra the capital city of Ghana became the headquarters of the pan African movement. The pan African movement played a significant role in the independence of Ghana. In 1958 all independent states such as Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia and Ghana met in Accra where they laid strategies on how to help other African countries to attain independence.
- Kwame Nkrumah contributed to the independence of many African countries by encouraging unity in the continent. He convened the meeting for all African trade unions in 1959 with the aim to unite all African states into confederation. African unity was the crucial factor if Africa was to succeed against colonial rule
- Kwame Nkrumah exerted a lot of pressure on France to grant independence to Algeria. In 1959 to 1960 a team of delegate from Africa, Britain and America went to monitor the situation in Algeria. It was the Nkrumah who took the initiative of such the visit. Ghana also pressured France to end the domination in the west Africa
- Radio Ghana played a great role in the struggle for independence. It became the mouthpiece of African nationalists’ movement to air out their feeling toward colonial exploitation and oppression. Broadcasting on the radio led to massive support for the nationalists both in and outside Africa
- Ghana under Nkrumah became the model for all African countries to emulate. Nkrumah once said if he could, he would have delayed the independence of Ghana until a time when other African are independent. The position of Ghana encouraged many African countries to struggle for independence.