Big Six in Ghana: Leaders of the Independence Movement
Table of Contents
Who Are the Big Six in Ghana
The term Big Six in Ghana refers to six influential leaders who led the push for independence during British colonial rule. They were arrested after the 1948 Accra riots and became symbols of the fight for self governance. Their actions laid the foundation for Ghana’s liberation movement and helped inspire the 1957 declaration of independence.
Members of the Big Six
The Big Six in Ghana are listed below along with their contributions.
| Name | Role in Independence | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Kwame Nkrumah | Leader of the Convention Peoples Party | First President of Ghana |
| Edward Akufo Addo | UGCC Leader | Later became President of Ghana |
| J B Danquah | Founding member of UGCC | Advocated for the name Ghana |
| William Ofori Atta | UGCC executive | Prominent political activist |
| Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey | Organizing leader of UGCC | Key independence contributor |
| Ebenezer Ako Adjei | UGCC leader | Brought Nkrumah into UGCC |
Why the Big Six Are Important
The Big Six in Ghana are widely regarded as the architects of the modern state. Their arrests awakened national consciousness, strengthened the independence movement, and demanded reforms that eventually forced the British to transfer political power. This arrest also became a turning point that transformed public support into a unified demand for freedom.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1947: Formation of the United Gold Coast Convention.
- 1948: Accra riots break out after ex servicemen are shot.
- 1948: The Big Six in Ghana are detained by colonial authorities.
- 1951: Nkrumah wins the election after release.
- 1957: Ghana becomes the first independent sub Saharan African country.
Legacy of the Big Six
The Big Six in Ghana remain national icons. Their images appear on the national currency and their contributions are taught across schools in Ghana. Each member helped shape Ghana’s political direction, from democratic institutions to a national cultural identity rooted in self determination. Their legacy continues to influence public life and citizenship education today.
Sources
- Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) – Holds official historical records and biographies of independence leaders, including members of the Big Six.
- https://gmmb.gov.gh Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana – Provides peer reviewed academic research on Ghana’s independence movement and political history. https://ias.ug.edu.gh
- British National Archives: Colonial Office Records (CO 96, CO 554) – Contains original documentation of the 1948 Accra riots and the arrest of the Big Six. https://nationalarchives.gov.uk