Ghana Independence Overprint on Gold Coast Stamp

Ghana · 1957 · 2d

This stamp is an overprint on a Gold Coast issue featuring Queen Elizabeth II. The original stamp, part of the 1952-54 definitive series, was modified with the text 'GHANA Independence 6th March 1957' in red ink to commemorate the nation's newly gained independence. This provisional issue marked the transition from the British colony of the Gold Coast to the sovereign state of Ghana.

On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from European colonial rule, renaming itself Ghana. This stamp was among the very first issued by the new nation, signifying its sovereignty.