A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design that is worn on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard to represent a state or an organization.
The coat of arms on an escutcheon serves as the centerpiece of a country’s achievements. It includes a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto.
Who designed Ghana’s coat of arms?
Nii Amon Kotei, a Ghanaian artist, came up with the country’s coat of arms. It was first shown on March 4, 1957, when the country celebrated its independence.
Nii Amon Kotei was born on May 24, 1915 and died on October 17, 2011. He was a Ghanaian sculptor, painter, musician, surveyor, and graphic artist. He attended Achimota School in Ghana and the prestigious London School of Printing and Graphic Art.
A Description of the Ghana Coat of Arms
- The first section on the upper left depicts a sword used by chiefs and a staff, which was used by the linguist (known as an okyeame in Akan) during ceremonies. It serves as a representation of Ghana’s traditional authority.
- The second quarter shows a picture of Osu Castle on the sea, which is the presidential palace on the Gulf of Guinea and represents the government at the top.
- The third part, which is represented by a cocoa tree, represents Ghana’s agricultural prosperity.
- The fourth quarter shows a gold mine, which shows that Ghana has a lot of industrial minerals and natural resources, like the gold mine.
- A gold lion in the center of a green St. George’s Cross with gold fimbriation on a field of blue symbolizes the continued relationship between Ghana and the Commonwealth of Nations, according to the design.
- The crest is a black star of Africa with a gold outline on a torse in the country’s colors, with a gold outline around it.
- The shield is supported by two golden Tawny eagles, each with the Order of the Star of Ghana.
- There is a green field in the compartment where the supporters are standing, and a scroll bearing the national motto of Ghana: Freedom and Justice.
- The shield in Ghana coat of arms represents a weapon that aids in the struggle against poverty, ignorance, and starvation.
