Coat of Arms of Ghana

The Coat of Arms of Ghana

Description

Ghana's Coat of Arms was granted by Royal Warrant on 4 March 1957, two days before independence. It is the official emblem of the Republic of Ghana and appears on state documents, the Presidential seal, currency, and public buildings.

Elements of the Shield

The shield is divided into four quarters by a St George's Cross (green with a gold border):

Upper Left (First Quarter): A golden sword and a golden staff crossed, the Sword of State and the Staff of Office, representing Ghana's traditional authority and the power of the state.

Upper Right (Second Quarter): A castle, Christiansborg Castle (now Jubilee House/Osu Castle), the seat of government in Accra. It represents the continuity of government in Ghana from colonial to post-independence periods.

Lower Left (Third Quarter): A cocoa tree, the crop that formed the backbone of Ghana's economy for most of the 20th century and funded independence-era development. It represents Ghana's agricultural wealth.

Lower Right (Fourth Quarter): A gold mine shaft, representing Ghana's rich mineral resources, particularly gold, which gave the former Gold Coast its name and remains a major export.

The Black Star

In the centre where the quarters meet, there is a blue panel bearing the Black Star, the same star that appears on the national flag. The Black Star is the most iconic symbol of Ghana's Pan-African identity, representing the liberation of Africa from colonial rule and the spirit of African unity championed by Kwame Nkrumah.

The Supporters

Two golden eagles flank the shield, one on either side. Eagles are symbols of strength, vision and leadership in many heraldic traditions. In Ghana's context, they represent the strength of the nation and its capacity to soar.

The Crest

Above the shield sits a green African eagle holding a black star in its talons, a continuation of the Pan-African symbolism that runs through all of Ghana's national symbols.

The Motto

Below the shield, on a scroll, are the words: "FREEDOM AND JUSTICE", Ghana's national motto. These two words capture the foundational ideals of the Ghanaian state: freedom from oppression (both colonial and internal) and the pursuit of justice for all citizens.

The Compartment

The base of the coat of arms contains two cocoa plants in flower, reinforcing the agricultural heritage theme.

Uses and Protocol

The Coat of Arms may only be used with official authorisation. It appears on:

• The national currency (Ghana Cedi)
• State letterheads and official documents
• Government buildings, courts, and embassies
• The President's official seal