Questions and Answers
What action did the colonial governor take on 1st March?
Who were the members of 'The Big Six'?
What significant event occurred on 6th March 1957?
What did Nkrumah form after breaking away from the UGCC?
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What campaign did the CPP undertake to promote independence?
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What event prompted the peaceful demonstration by World War II veterans in Ghana?
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What action did the colonial police chief take when the veterans refused to disperse?
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What was the reaction of the general population in Accra following the violence against the veterans?
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What did the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) express in their cable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies?
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How long did the protests by the people last after the violence against the veterans?
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Who were the three individuals killed during the demonstration?
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What was the underlying cause of the unrest in Accra according to the UGCC cable?
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What did the UGCC demand in terms of governance through their cable?
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Study Notes
World War II Veterans' Demonstration
- Veterans from the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force organized a peaceful march to Christiansborg Castle in Accra demanding promised end of war benefits and pay.
- The colonial police chief ordered the veterans to disperse; when they refused, he opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey.
Public Reaction and Violence
- The violent action against unarmed veterans provoked widespread anger, leading to protests across Accra and other cities.
- Protesters targeted European and Asian businesses, expressing frustration over ongoing injustices faced by the local population.
Response of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC)
- The UGCC sent a cable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies in London, advocating for a change in colonial government to prevent further unrest.
- They declared readiness to take over interim Government, requesting a Special Commissioner to facilitate a transition to a government for the people and their chiefs.
Duration and Escalation of Protests
- Protests continued for five days, culminating in a state of emergency declared by the colonial governor by March 1.
- A new Riot Act was imposed, and on March 12, the governor arrested "The Big Six," prominent UGCC members, including Kwame Nkrumah, under allegations of orchestrating the disturbances.
The Big Six and Internal Conflicts
- After their arrest, The Big Six were incarcerated in remote areas, where significant disagreements arose among them regarding the independence movement's direction.
- Kwame Nkrumah eventually split from the UGCC in 1949, founding the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Path to Independence
- The CPP initiated a campaign termed "Positive Action," which mobilized mass support and ultimately led to the end of the Gold Coast colony.
- Ghana achieved independence on March 6, 1957, marking the beginning of a new era for the nation.
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Description
Explore the historical event where World War II veterans of the Gold Coast Regiment protested in Accra for their promised benefits. This quiz delves into the causes, key figures, and outcomes of the demonstration that was met with violence by colonial authorities. Test your knowledge on this important moment in Ghana's history.
