Ghana's Flag
Map of Ghana
Yen Ara Asase Ni
by Dr. Ephraim Amu
Written in 1921
Twi version:
Yen ara asase ni, eye aboo dennen ma yen.
Mogya na nana nom hwie gui, nya de too ho ma yen.
Adu me ne wo nso so se, yebeye bi atoa so.
Nimdeetraso kotokrane ne apesemenkomenya.
Adi yen bra mu dem ama yen asase ho do atomu se.
Oman no se be yeyio, oman no se renyeyie O,
Eye nsem da ho se, Omanfo bra n'ekyere.
Nhoma nimdee huhuugyan, ana ade any ara kwa
Ne obrakyew de esee, oman na ebo no ahohora
Asoomere ne obu pa yonko yiye di pe daa
Ahofama ntetekwaam ma nnipa biara yiye de
Enonom n'ede asomdwee ne nkoso pa bre oman.
Oman no se 'beye yie O! Oman no se erenye yie O!
Eye nsem da ho se, Omanfo bra n'ekyere.
Translation:
This is our own cherished land, acquired through
the blood our ancestors shed for us.
It is now our turn to continue what our ancestors started.
Pride, cheating and selfishness has scarred our character,
and diminished our affection for our land.
Whether or not this nation prospers,
Depends on the character of the citizens of the nation.
Bragging of educational achievements, empty boasting,
and vain talk is destroying our nation.
Hard work and respect for one another is what we need.
Selflessness and compassion for one another
Will bring peace and prosperity to our nation.
Whether or not this nation prospers,
Depends on the character of the citizens of the nation.
© Dr. Ephraim Amu
The Origin and Meaning of Ghana's Flag
The flag of Ghana was designed by Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh: "I decided on the three colors of red, gold & green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and is blessed with rich vegetation. The color Gold was influenced by the mineral rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country's independence. Then the five pointed lone star which is the symbol of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism. Source: www.GhanaWeb.com
Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh
Photo Source: www.Ghanaweb.com
“Official” Ghana National Anthem
God bless our homeland Ghana
And make our nation great and strong,
Bold to defend forever
The cause of Freedom and of Right;
Fill our hearts with true humility,
Make us cherish fearless honesty,
And help us to resist oppressors' rule
With all our will and might evermore.
Hail to thy name, O Ghana,
To thee we make our solemn vow:
Steadfast to build together
A nation strong in Unity;
With our gifts of mind and strength of arm,
Whether night or day, in the midst of storm,
In ev'ry need, whate'er the call may be,
To serve thee, Ghana, now and evermore.
Raise high the flag of Ghana
And one with Africa advance;
Black star of hope and honor
To all who thirst for liberty;
Where the banner of Ghana free flies,
May the way to freedom truly lie;
Arise, arise, O sons of Ghanaland,
And under God march on for evermore!
Author: Philip Gheho
Listen to the Ghana's National Anthem here.
Dr. Ephraim Amu wrote Ghana's "unoffical"
National Anthem (at left) in 1921.
Political Map of Africa