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Ghanaians Celebrate Kwame Nkrumah’s Birthday as Founder’s Day Returns
September 21, 2025
Across Ghana, citizens are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first President, as Founder’s Day returns to the national calendar.
The day, marked every September 21, honours Nkrumah’s pivotal role in leading Ghana to independence in 1957 and inspiring Pan-Africanism across the continent.
Public gatherings, lectures, and cultural events are taking place in major cities including Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to share tributes, historical photos, and reflections on Nkrumah’s enduring vision for a united and self-reliant Africa.
Civic groups and historians have used the occasion to call for renewed commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals of industrialisation, education, and social justice.
Nkrumah’s Lasting Achievements
During his presidency (1957–1966), Nkrumah championed ambitious projects that transformed Ghana and influenced Africa’s liberation movements. Among his notable achievements were:
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Industrialisation Drive: Establishment of factories and state-owned enterprises under the Seven-Year Development Plan to diversify the economy.
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Akosombo Dam: Construction of the Volta River Project, which brought nationwide electricity and spurred industrial growth.
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Education Expansion: Introduction of free and compulsory primary education, resulting in a surge of schools, universities, and technical institutes.
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Infrastructure Development: Massive road, harbour, and housing projects that modernised Ghana’s transport and urban landscape.
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Pan-African Leadership: Founding role in the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and strong advocacy for continental unity and independence movements.
Founder’s Day was restored after public advocacy to maintain September 21 as a national holiday specifically celebrating Nkrumah’s legacy. It had previously been replaced by “Founders’ Day,” which recognised a broader group of independence leaders.
This year’s celebrations highlight Nkrumah’s influence beyond Ghana, with Pan-African leaders and diaspora communities also commemorating his life and work.
