The Independence Arch and the Independence Square are both significant landmarks in Accra, Ghana, but they are not the same thing. I know so many people around the world are curious about the difference between the two. In my last post I shared the image of the independence architecture. In this post, I share the image of the Independence Square above.
The Independence Arch is a monument located within the Independence Square, also known as Black Star Square. It was built to commemorate Ghana's independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. The arch is a symbol of Ghana's struggle for independence and its commitment to the Pan-African movement. It features a large black star in the center, which represents Ghana's independence and the country's hope for the future. The words "Freedom and Justice" are inscribed on the arch and are two of Ghana's core values.
The Independence Square, on the other hand, is a public space that surrounds the Independence Arch. It is used for national events and celebrations and can hold up to 30,000 people. The square is the second-largest city square in the world after Tiananmen Square in China. The Independence Square is also home to several other monuments, including the Liberation Day Monument and the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier.
In summary, the Independence Arch is a monument within the Independence Square, which is a public space used for national events and celebrations. The arch is a symbol of Ghana's struggle for independence and its commitment to freedom and justice, while the Independence Square is a space where Ghanaians come together to celebrate their independence and national pride.