This morning at dawn, I felt the warm sun on my face. I woke up, sat straight, and thought, Today is the day! My country, Ghana, becomes independent!
Most countries in Africa are ruled by European countries. We are the first modern African nation to have our own government—and take back control of our country. I hope other countries will follow us.
I put away my ordinary school uniform—brown jumper and yellow blouse. There was no school today because of the national holiday. I could hardly wait to wear my fancy clothes: a batik wrap-skirt with giant yellow sunflowers and a matching head cloth with green trim.
“Fathia, I knew you would be ready!” my mother said when she came into my room. “You look proud and beautiful.” Together, we walked to the marketplace. Everyone was waiting for us—mostly for my mother. She is a chief of the people.
People at the market greeted us with respect. On this special day, many people gave us presents—Kente cloth. This cloth is for chiefs. “It is the most colorful fabric in the world!” I said. My mother nodded, patting the long strips of cloth, some green as fresh leaves, others blue as sky in summer. Mother said, “We are lucky to live in Bonwire, with the best weavers of Kente cloth.” Her gold bracelets jangled, as if they agreed with us, too.
So many people were at the market! “Everything in the world is for sale here,” I said, “pots and glasses and clothes.” My mother looked around, “And clocks and silverware and buckets and saws—and this is just one small part of the market!” Special foods for the festival were already cooking. Spices tickled our noses as we walked by.
Later, the parade began. Men carried Mother in a special chair. I pranced beside them all the way. When everybody cheered, we waved back to them. It was so much fun! Later, it was time for dancing and for music. My heart beat with the drums, fast and excited. “We are free, Fathia, free,” my mother called to me.
Tonight, I know I am the happiest daughter in the world.
