Coat of arms of Ghana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Ghana |
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| Armiger | Republic of Ghana |
| Adopted | 4 March 1957 |
| Crest | A black star bordered in gold |
| Torse | Gold, green and red |
| Blazon | Azure on a cross vert fimbriated Or a lion passant guardant Or, in the first quarter a linguist's staff and ceremonial sword crossed in saltire Or, in the second quarter issuant from five bars wavy Argent and Azure a castle Argent upon a mount Or, in the third quarter affixed in a grassy plain a cocoa tree proper and in the fourth quarter upon a grassy plain a mine proper. |
| Supporters | Two eagles displayed Or around each of whose neck hangs a black star fimbriated Or suspended from a ribbon tierced gules, Or and vert upon a grassy compartment proper |
| Motto | Freedom and Justice |
| Earlier version(s) | .svg) Gold Coast |
| Use | 1877-1957 |
The coat of arms of Ghana is a special symbol for the country. It was created by a Ghanaian artist named Nii Amon Kotei. This important symbol was first used on March 4, 1957. It tells a story about Ghana's history, its people, and its hopes for the future.
Contents
What the Coat of Arms Means
The coat of arms has many parts, and each one has a special meaning. Let's explore what each symbol represents.
The Shield and Its Sections
The main part of the coat of arms is a blue shield. It is divided into four sections by a green cross with a gold border. In the middle of this cross is a golden lion.
The Golden Lion
The golden lion in the center of the shield is a symbol of Ghana's ongoing connection to the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that were once part of the British Empire.
First Quarter: Traditional Authority
In the top left section of the shield, you will see two items crossed over each other. One is a sword that chiefs use. The other is a staff used by a linguist, also known as an okyeame in the Akan language. Linguists help chiefs speak at ceremonies. These symbols represent the traditional leaders and their authority in Ghana.
Second Quarter: National Government
The top right section shows a picture of Osu Castle on the sea. This castle is located on the Gulf of Guinea. It used to be the presidential palace and stands for the national government of Ghana.
Third Quarter: Agricultural Wealth
The bottom left section of the shield features a cocoa tree. Cocoa is a very important crop in Ghana. This tree symbolizes the rich agricultural resources and wealth of the country.
Fourth Quarter: Natural Resources
In the bottom right section, there is a picture of a gold mine. Ghana is known for its gold and other industrial minerals. This symbol represents the country's valuable natural resources and its mining industry.
The Crest: The Black Star
Above the shield, there is a crest. The crest is a Black star of Africa with a gold outline. It sits on a twisted band of fabric, called a torse, which has the national colors of Ghana: gold, green, and red. The Black Star is a well-known symbol of African freedom and unity.
The Supporters: Golden Eagles
On either side of the shield, there are two golden Tawny eagles. These eagles are holding up the shield. Around each eagle's neck hangs a special medal called the Order of the Star of Ghana. The eagles represent strength and protection for the nation.
The Motto: Freedom and Justice
Below the shield, the eagles stand on a grassy area. On this grassy area, there is a scroll with Ghana's national motto: Freedom and Justice. This motto shows the country's commitment to these important values. The shield itself also represents a tool to fight against challenges like poverty, lack of knowledge, and hunger.
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de Ghana para niños
