Since gaining independence on 6 March 1957, Ghana remained a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State represented by a Governor-General, and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as Prime Minister (Head of Government). It was seen as incomplete sovereignty. Seeking full sovereignty, Ghanaians voted in a 27 April 1960 referendum, where about 88% supported becoming a republic. A new constitution abolished the Governor-General’s office, and on 1 July 1960, Ghana became a republic (A republic is a country where sovereignty rests with the people or their representatives, and the Head of State is not a monarch but is chosen by the people or their representatives), with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah sworn in as her first President.
Likewise, before Christ came, humanity was under the dominion of sin and the rule of Satan, the “god of this world.” Though created by God, sin brought us into bondage, leaving us powerless to overcome the desires of the flesh and the forces of darkness. This is why Christ was manifested, to destroy the works of the devil. Through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, He disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them for us (Colossians 2:15).
Just as Ghana gained independence in 1957 but attained full constitutional sovereignty by becoming a republic in 1960, redemption through Jesus Christ brings complete spiritual freedom and a new identity. Sin no longer has dominion over those who are in Christ. As Ghana moved from partial independence to full self-rule, believers move from the bondage of sin into the freedom and Lordship of Christ (Romans 6:6–14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, as Galatians 5:1 declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (NIV)
Ghana’s republican status gave her full constitutional sovereignty, free from the authority of the British Crown. Likewise, Galatians 5:1 declares that Christ has set believers free from the bondage of sin. Just as Ghana replaced the British monarch with her own President as Head of State, believers are no longer under Satan’s authority but under the Lordship of Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Through His redemptive work, God has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13–14).
Just as a republic means sovereignty rests with the people rather than a monarch or colonial power, Christ’s victory over Satan has transferred authority to the believer. We are no longer under the dominion of darkness but have authority in Christ to resist the devil, live righteously, and please God. As Ghana gained full constitutional freedom to govern herself, make her own laws, and determine her own future, believers have been set free to live under grace, not the law, for sin no longer has dominion over us. To this end Leon Morris said, “The man who has Christ is free, no matter where he is; the man who is without Christ is a slave, no matter where he is.”
As we celebrate Republic Day, we mark Ghana’s full sovereignty and freedom to govern herself without external control. In the same way, believers should cherish and celebrate the freedom Christ has won for us through His sacrifice, and not return to the yoke of bondage. Just as Ghana embraced her sovereignty as a republic, believers live in redemption when we fully embrace the freedom Christ has secured.
Written by: Joshua Aidoo
TAC-GH, ESSARKYIR ASSEMBLY
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