The flag of Ghana features three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, from top to bottom. The red stripe symbolizes the blood shed by those who fought for the country's independence, the yellow represents the wealth of Ghana, particularly in natural resources, and the green signifies the country's rich agriculture and forests. In the center of the yellow stripe is a black five-pointed star, which is a symbol of African freedom and represents the hope and aspirations of the people of Ghana. The flag was officially adopted on March 6, 1957, when Ghana became the first African nation to gain independence from colonial rule. The colors and symbols of the flag reflect Ghana's national identity, heritage, and aspirations​.