In Ghana’s colorful cultural heritage, two symbols stand out: the Coat of Arms and the national flag.
These icons embody the sovereignty, heritage, and collective dreams of the Ghanaian people, serving as proud reminders of unity and national pride.
The Coat of Arms, a significant emblem representing the sovereignty and identity of Ghana, features prominently in official documents, government institutions, and national ceremonies.
Similarly, the national flag, with its distinctive red, yellow, and green stripes, holds immense symbolic value and is a source of pride for Ghanaians.
However, concerns have been raised over the unauthorized use of these national symbols in various contexts, including commercial ventures, advertising campaigns, and promotional materials.
Such unauthorized usage not only undermines the sanctity of these symbols but also violates legal provisions governing their usage.
According to Ghanaian law, specifically the Emblems of Ghana provisions of the Flags and Arms Protection Act, 1959 the Coat of Arms and national flag are protected emblems, and their use without proper authorization is prohibited.
1) Without limiting the provisions of the Flags and Arms Protection Act, 1959 (No.61), a person shall not without lawful authority use any badge, seal, device, emblem or flag reserved by law for the use of the Republic, the President, a Minister of State, the Armed Forces, any Ministry, Department or Agency, any public officer or any member of the Armed Forces in such a manner as to lead to the belief that the person is authorized to use that badge, seal, device, emblem or flag.
(2) Subsection (1) applies to the use of any badge, seal, device, emblem or flag closely resembling the badge, seal, device, emblem or flag referred to in that subsection which is likely to deceive.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding 25 penalty units for each day on which the offence continues or to imprisonment not exceeding three months instead of a fine.
This legislation aims to safeguard the integrity and dignity of these national symbols, ensuring they are utilized appropriately and respectfully.
Individuals, businesses, and organizations found infringing upon these legal provisions may face penalties, including fines and legal action.
It is imperative for all citizens and entities to familiarize themselves with these laws and obtain the necessary permissions before using Ghana’s Coat of Arms and flag for any purpose.
Respecting these national symbols is not only a legal obligation but also a matter of national pride and identity.