Eclipses are fascinating. A total eclipse is unique and elicits unique feelings among those lucky enough to observe it. It leaves an indelible mark on the minds of its lucky observers, who continuously tell people who did not observe such an outstanding natural phenomenon.
What is An Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the Sun’s image for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight and turning day into darkness.
Total Eclipse in Ghana
Most Ghanaians today observed the 29 March 2006, except for those who were too young to understand or unborn. For those who did, it always ignited incredible memories of demonstrating nature’s supremacy. What if I told you Ghana witnessed a total eclipse about 76 years ago? Let’s quickly dive into this occurrence and what happened that day.

A picture from 2006 Eclipse of the sun
What happened during the 1947 Eclipse in Accra?
The total eclipse of the Sun occurred on Tuesday, 20 May 1947, between 1:20 pm and 4:00 pm. This was announced weeks before it happened. People waited and prepared for this day. Incidentally, at 1:00 pm, the rain clouds filled the sky. By 2:00 pm, the clouds were hovering over the whole of Accra. People began to talk about the failure of the occurrence because the rain clouds obscured their view.
In Accra, many people deserted the markets before noon, and almost all shops were closed, with few vehicles here and there. The rain further marred this event, which came down 5 minutes before the eclipse. Despite the rain, the thick darkness was growing. The Sun’s total eclipse by the Moon occurred between 2:45 pm to 2:55 pm. The day was further marred by heavy rains, which distorted activities.
Have you witnessed a total eclipse in Ghana? Share your experience in the comment section below.
Sources:
Newspaper: The Gold Coast Independent. 24 May 1947.
Lartey, S., & Amedofu, G. K. (2007). Visual damage following direct sighting of solar eclipse in Ghana. African Journal of Health Sciences, 14(3), 160-163.
Stephen Baidoo is a writer who loves to research about Ghana's past. He brings Ghana's history to life with each unearthed fact and forgotten narrative, transforming dry dates into passionate stories.
