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This is a list of the heads of state of Ghana, from the independence of Ghana in 1957 to the present day.
Contents
- Monarch 19571960
- Governor General
- First Republic 19601966
- Military rule 19661969
- Second Republic 19691972
- Military rule 19721979
- Third Republic 19791981
- Military rule 19811993
- Fourth Republic 1993present
- References
From 1957 to 1960 the head of state under the Ghana Independence Act 1957 was the Queen of Ghana, Elizabeth II, who was also the Monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. The Queen was represented in Ghana by a Governor-General. Ghana became a republic under the Constitution of 1960 and the Monarch and Governor-General were replaced by an executive President.
Monarch (1957–1960)
The succession to the throne was the same as the succession to the British throne.
Governor-General
The Governor-General was the representative of the monarch in Ghana and exercised most of the powers of the monarch. The Governor-General was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the Governor-General was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Ghana without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy the Chief Justice served as Officer Administering the Government.
First Republic (1960–1966)
Under the 1960 Constitution, the first constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the President replaced the Monarch as executive head of state. The President was elected by Parliament for a 5-year term. In the event of a vacancy three Members of the Cabinet served jointly as Acting President.
Military rule (1966–1969)
Lieutenant-General Joseph Arthur Ankrah led a coup d'état which overthrew President Nkrumah and his government, all political parties and Parliament were also dissolved.
Second Republic (1969–1972)
Military rule (1972–1979)
General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong led a coup d'état which overthrown the President Akufo-Addo, Prime Minister Abrefa Busia and his government, all political parties and Parliament was also dissolved.
Lieutenant General Fred Akuffo led a coup d'état which overthrew the General Acheampong then Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings led a coup d'état which overthrown the Supreme Military Council
Third Republic (1979–1981)
Under the 1979 Constitution the President is head of both state and government. The President is elected by Ghanaians and serves a four-year term that expires at the next general election; a President may serve a maximum of two terms. In the event of a vacancy the Vice-President serves as Acting President.
Military rule (1981–1993)
Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings led a coup d'état which overthrew President Limann and his government, all political parties and Parliament were also dissolved.
Fourth Republic (1993–present)
Under the current Constitution the President is head of both state and government. The President is elected by Ghanaians and serves a four-year term that expires at the next general election; a President may serve a maximum of two terms. In the event of a vacancy, the Vice-President serves the remaining time as the President.