Jump to content

List of heads of state of Ghana: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
(20 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|List of heads of state of Ghana}}
{{Short description|None}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
Line 6: Line 6:
This is a list of the '''heads of state of Ghana''', from the independence of [[Ghana]] in 1957 to the present day.<ref>{{Citation|title=Independence, Coups, and the Republic, 1957–present|work=The Ghana Reader|year=2016|pages=299–300|publisher=Duke University Press|doi=10.1215/9780822374961-060|isbn=978-0-8223-7496-1}}</ref>
This is a list of the '''heads of state of Ghana''', from the independence of [[Ghana]] in 1957 to the present day.<ref>{{Citation|title=Independence, Coups, and the Republic, 1957–present|work=The Ghana Reader|year=2016|pages=299–300|publisher=Duke University Press|doi=10.1215/9780822374961-060|isbn=978-0-8223-7496-1}}</ref>


From 1957 to 1960 the head of state under the [[Constitution of Ghana|Constitution]] of 1957 was the [[Queen of Ghana]], [[Elizabeth II]], who was also the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Queen of the United Kingdom]] and the other [[Commonwealth realm]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magnum Photos|url=https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYDIWIN32|website=pro.magnumphotos.com|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref> The monarch was represented in Ghana by a governor-general.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magnum Photos|url=https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYDIWIN32|website=pro.magnumphotos.com|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref> Ghana became a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic within the Commonwealth]] under the Constitution of 1960 and the monarch and governor-general were replaced by an executive [[President of Ghana|president]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ghana – INDEPENDENT GHANA|url=http://countrystudies.us/ghana/14.htm|website=countrystudies.us|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>
From 1957 to 1960 the head of state under the [[Constitution of Ghana|Constitution]] of 1957 was the [[Queen of U.K]], [[Elizabeth II]], who was also the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Queen of the United Kingdom]] and the other [[Commonwealth realm]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magnum Photos|url=https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYDIWIN32|website=pro.magnumphotos.com|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref> The monarch was represented in Ghana by a governor-general.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magnum Photos|url=https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYDIWIN32|website=pro.magnumphotos.com|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref> Ghana became a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic within the Commonwealth]] under the Constitution of 1960 and the monarch and governor-general were replaced by an executive [[President of Ghana|president]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ghana – INDEPENDENT GHANA|url=http://countrystudies.us/ghana/14.htm|website=countrystudies.us|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>


==Monarch (1957–1960)==
==Monarch (1957–1960)==
Line 19: Line 19:
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
|-
|-
!Reign start
! Reign start
!Reign end
! Reign end
!Duration
! Duration
|-
|-
! 1
! 1
Line 47: Line 47:
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! 1
! 1
Line 60: Line 60:
| rowspan=3|[[Kwame Nkrumah|Nkrumah]]
| rowspan=3|[[Kwame Nkrumah|Nkrumah]]
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| —
| [[File:Sir-Kobina-Arku-Korsah.jpg|90px]]
| [[File:Sir-Kobina-Arku-Korsah.jpg|90px]]
| [[Kobina Arku Korsah|Sir Kobina Arku Korsah]]<br />{{small|(1894–1967)}}
| [[Kobina Arku Korsah|Sir Kobina Arku Korsah]]<br />{{small|(1894–1967)}}
Line 75: Line 75:
|}
|}


==First Republic (1960–1966)==
==Republic (1960–present)==
⚫
Under the Constitution of 1960, the first constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the president replaced the monarch as executive head of state.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Todd E|first=Pettys|date=2018-02-09|title=Part Two The Iowa Constitution and Commentary, Art.IV Executive Department|journal=The Iowa State Constitution|doi=10.1093/law/9780190490836.003.0007}}</ref> The president was elected by [[Parliament of Ghana|Parliament]] for a 5-year term. In the event of a vacancy three members of the Cabinet served jointly as [[acting (law)|acting]] president.

;Political parties
;Political parties
{{legend|{{party color|Convention People's Party}}|[[Convention People's Party]] (CPP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend|{{party color|Convention People's Party}}|[[Convention People's Party]] (CPP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|People's National Party (Ghana)}}|[[People's National Party (Ghana)|People's National Party]] (PNP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}|[[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|National Democratic Congress]] (NDC)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}|[[New Patriotic Party]] (NPP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

⚫
;Other factions
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|Military rule}}|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|Independent politician}}|[[Independent politician|Independent]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

⚫
;Status
⚫
{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes acting president}}


;Symbols
;Symbols
{{note label|C|C|C}} Constitutional referendum
{{note label|C|C|C}} Constitutional referendum

⚫
{{note label|†|†|†}} Died in office

===First Republic (1960–1966)===
⚫
Under the Constitution of 1960, the first constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the president replaced the monarch as executive head of state.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Todd E|first=Pettys|date=2018-02-09|title=Part Two The Iowa Constitution and Commentary, Art.IV Executive Department|journal=The Iowa State Constitution|doi=10.1093/law/9780190490836.003.0007}}</ref> The president was elected by [[Parliament of Ghana|Parliament]] for a 5-year term. In the event of a vacancy three members of the Cabinet served jointly as [[acting (law)|acting]] president.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 91: Line 105:
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Convention People's Party}}; color:white;" | 1
! style="background:{{party color|Convention People's Party}}; color:white;" | 1
| [[File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-50-1.jpg|90px]]
| [[File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-50-1.jpg|90px]]
| [[Kwame Nkrumah]]<br />{{small|(1909–1972)}}
| [[Kwame Nkrumah]]<br />{{small|(1909–1972)}}
| [[1960 Ghanaian presidential election|1960]]<br />{{small|[[1964 Ghanaian constitutional referendum|1964]]{{ref label|C|C|C}}}}
| [[1960 Ghanaian presidential election|1960]]<br />{{Text|[[1964 Ghanaian constitutional referendum|1964]]{{ref label|C|C|C}}}}
| {{nowrap|1 July}} 1960
| {{nowrap|1 July}} 1960
| {{nowrap|26 February}} 1966<br />{{small|([[National Liberation Council#1966 coup|Deposed]])}}
| {{nowrap|26 February}} 1966<br />{{small|([[National Liberation Council#1966 coup|Deposed in a coup]])}}
| {{ayd|1960|7|1|1966|2|26}}
| {{ayd|1960|7|1|1966|2|26}}
| [[Convention People's Party|CPP]]
| [[Convention People's Party|CPP]]
|}
|}


==Military rule (1966–1969)==
===Military rule (1966–1969)===
[[Joseph Arthur Ankrah|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.
[[Joseph Arthur Ankrah|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.


⚫
;Other factions
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|Military rule}}|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 117: Line 129:
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | 2
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | 2
| [[File:No image.png|90px]]
| [[File:Joseph Arthur Ankrah in America (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[Joseph Arthur Ankrah|{{small|Lieutenant-General}} Joseph Arthur Ankrah]]<br />{{small|(1915–1992)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[National Liberation Council|NLC]]}}
| [[Joseph Arthur Ankrah|{{small|Lieutenant-General}} Joseph Arthur Ankrah]]<br />{{small|(1915–1992)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[National Liberation Council|NLC]]}}
| {{nowrap|24 February}} 1966
| {{nowrap|24 February}} 1966
Line 137: Line 149:
|}
|}


==Second Republic (1969–1972)==
===Second Republic (1969–1972)===

;Other factions
{{legend|{{party color|Military rule}}|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|Independent politician}}|[[Independent politician|Independent]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
;Status
⚫
{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes Speaker of Parliament and acting President}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 153: Line 159:
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
! rowspan="2" |[[Prime Minister of Ghana|Prime minister]]
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | {{small|(3)}}
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | {{small|(3)}}
Line 165: Line 171:
| {{ayd|1969|9|3|1970|8|7}}
| {{ayd|1969|9|3|1970|8|7}}
| [[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]
| [[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Kofi Abrefa Busia|Busia]]
| rowspan=3|[[Kofi Abrefa Busia|Busia]]
|- style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|- style="background:#e6e6aa;"
! style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}}; color:black;" | –
! style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}}; color:black;" | —
| [[File:No image.png|90px]]
| [[File:No image.png|90px]]
| [[Nii Amaa Ollennu]]<br />{{small|(1906–1986)}}
| [[Nii Amaa Ollennu]]<br />{{small|(1906–1986)}}
Line 181: Line 187:
| —
| —
| {{nowrap|31 August}} 1970
| {{nowrap|31 August}} 1970
| {{nowrap|13 January}} 1972<br />{{small|([[National Redemption Council#13 January 1972|Deposed]])}}
| {{nowrap|13 January}} 1972<br />{{small|([[National Redemption Council#13 January 1972|Deposed in a coup]])}}
| {{ayd|1970|8|31|1972|1|13}}
| {{ayd|1970|8|31|1972|1|13}}
| Independent
| Independent
|}
|}


==Military rule (1972–1979)==
===Military rule (1972–1979)===
[[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong|General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]] led a coup d'état which overthrew President Akufo-Addo, Prime Minister Abrefa Busia and his government, all political parties, and Parliament were also dissolved.<ref>{{Citation|title=Busia, Dr. Kofi Abrefa, (11 July 1913–28 Aug. 1978), Prime Minister of Ghana, 1969–72|date=2007-12-01|work=Who Was Who|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/WW/9780199540884.013.u152838}}</ref>
[[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong|General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]] led a coup d'état which overthrew President Akufo-Addo, Prime Minister Abrefa Busia and his government, all political parties, and Parliament were also dissolved.<ref>{{Citation|title=Busia, Dr. Kofi Abrefa, (11 July 1913–28 Aug. 1978), Prime Minister of Ghana, 1969–72|date=2007-12-01|work=Who Was Who|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/WW/9780199540884.013.u152838}}</ref>


[[Fred Akuffo|Lieutenant General Fred Akuffo]] led a ball coup d'état which overthrew General Acheampong,<ref>{{Citation|last=Rich|first=Jeremy|title=Akuffo, Fred|date=2011-12-08|work=African American Studies Center|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.48197|isbn=978-0-19-530173-1}}</ref> then [[Jerry Rawlings|Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings]] led a coup d'état which overthrown the [[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)|Supreme Military Council]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Shillington, Kevin.|title=Ghana and the Rawlings factor|date=1992|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-333-56845-1|oclc=28182404}}</ref>
[[Fred Akuffo|Lieutenant General Fred Akuffo]] led a [[palace coup]] which overthrew General Acheampong,<ref>{{Citation|last=Rich|first=Jeremy|title=Akuffo, Fred|date=2011-12-08|work=African American Studies Center|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.48197|isbn=978-0-19-530173-1}}</ref> then [[Jerry Rawlings|Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings]] led a coup d'état which overthrown the [[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)|Supreme Military Council]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Shillington, Kevin.|title=Ghana and the Rawlings factor|date=1992|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-333-56845-1|oclc=28182404}}</ref>


; Other factions
{{legend|{{party color|Military rule}}|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |Portrait
! rowspan="2" |Portrait
! rowspan="2" |Name<br />{{small|(Birth-Death)}}
! rowspan="2" |Name<br />{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
! colspan="3" |Term of office
! colspan="3" |Term of office
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in the office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | 5
! rowspan=2 style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | 5
Line 208: Line 212:
| [[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong|{{small|General}} Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]]<br />{{small|(1931–1979)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[National Redemption Council|NRC]]}}
| [[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong|{{small|General}} Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]]<br />{{small|(1931–1979)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[National Redemption Council|NRC]]}}
| rowspan=2|{{nowrap|13 January}} 1972
| rowspan=2|{{nowrap|13 January}} 1972
| rowspan=2|{{nowrap|5 July}} 1978<br />{{small|([[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)#Palace coup|Deposed]])}}
| rowspan=2|{{nowrap|5 July}} 1978<br />{{small|([[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)#Palace coup|Deposed in a coup]])}}
| rowspan=2|{{ayd|1972|1|13|1978|7|5}}
| rowspan=2|{{ayd|1972|1|13|1978|7|5}}
| rowspan="4" |[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]
| rowspan=4|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]
|-
|-
| {{small|Chairman of the [[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)|SMC]]<br>from 9 October 1975}}
| {{small|Chairman of the [[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)|SMC]]<br>from 9 October 1975}}
Line 218: Line 222:
| [[Fred Akuffo|{{small|Lieutenant-General}} Fred Akuffo]]<br />{{small|(1937–1979)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the SMC}}
| [[Fred Akuffo|{{small|Lieutenant-General}} Fred Akuffo]]<br />{{small|(1937–1979)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the SMC}}
| {{nowrap|5 July}} 1978
| {{nowrap|5 July}} 1978
| {{nowrap|4 June}} 1979<br />{{small|([[June 4th revolution in Ghana|Deposed]])}}
| {{nowrap|4 June}} 1979<br />{{small|([[June 4th revolution in Ghana|Deposed in a coup]])}}
| {{ayd|1978|7|5|1979|6|4}}
| {{ayd|1978|7|5|1979|6|4}}
|-
|-
Line 229: Line 233:
|}
|}


==Third Republic (1979–1981)<ref name="Nketia 2001">{{Citation |last=Nketia|first=J.H. Kwabena|title=Ghana, Republic of|date=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|series=Oxford Music Online|doi=10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.11009}}</ref>==
===Third Republic (1979–1981)<ref name="Nketia 2001">{{Citation |last=Nketia|first=J.H. Kwabena|title=Ghana, Republic of|date=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|series=Oxford Music Online|doi=10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.11009}}</ref> ===
Under the Constitution of 1979 the president was head of both state and government. The president was directly elected and served a four-year term that expired at the next general election; a president might serve a maximum of two terms.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Yankson-Mensah, Marian.|title=Transitional justice in Ghana an appraisal of the National Reconciliation Commission|date=2020|publisher=T.M.C. Asser Press|isbn=978-94-6265-379-5|oclc=1151190908}}</ref> In the event of a vacancy the [[Vice-President of Ghana|vice-president]] served as acting president.<ref name="Nketia 2001"/>
Under the Constitution of 1979 the president was head of both state and government. The president was directly elected and served a four-year term that expired at the next general election; a president might serve a maximum of two terms.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Yankson-Mensah, Marian.|title=Transitional justice in Ghana an appraisal of the National Reconciliation Commission|date=2020|publisher=T.M.C. Asser Press|isbn=978-94-6265-379-5|oclc=1151190908}}</ref> In the event of a vacancy the [[Vice-President of Ghana|vice-president]] served as acting president.<ref name="Nketia 2001"/>


;Political parties
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|People's National Party (Ghana)}}|[[People's National Party (Ghana)|People's National Party]] (PNP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 242: Line 244:
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|People's National Party (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 8
! style="background:{{party color|People's National Party (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 8
Line 251: Line 253:
| [[1979 Ghanaian general election|1979]]
| [[1979 Ghanaian general election|1979]]
| {{nowrap|24 September}} 1979
| {{nowrap|24 September}} 1979
| {{nowrap|31 December}} 1981<br />{{small|([[Provisional National Defence Council|Deposed]])}}
| {{nowrap|31 December}} 1981<br />{{small|([[1981 Ghanaian coup d'état|Deposed in a coup]])}}
| {{ayd|1979|9|24|1981|12|31}}
| {{ayd|1979|9|24|1981|12|31}}
| [[People's National Party (Ghana)|PNP]]
| [[People's National Party (Ghana)|PNP]]
|}
|}


==Military rule (1981–1993)==
===Military rule (1981–1993)===
[[Jerry Rawlings|Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings]] led a coup d'état which overthrew President Limann and his government, all political parties and Parliament were also dissolved.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gyimah-Boadi, E.|title=Ghana under the PNDC rule|date=1993|publisher=CODESRIA|isbn=2-86978-018-4|oclc=475366719}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Isaacs|first=Anita|title=Development and Reform under Military Rule|date=1993|work=Military Rule and Transition in Ecuador, 1972–92|pages=35–65|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK|doi=10.1007/978-1-349-08922-2_3|isbn=978-1-349-08924-6}}</ref>
[[Jerry Rawlings|Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings]] led a coup d'état which overthrew President Limann and his government, all political parties and Parliament were also dissolved.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gyimah-Boadi, E.|title=Ghana under the PNDC rule|date=1993|publisher=CODESRIA|isbn=2-86978-018-4|oclc=475366719}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Isaacs|first=Anita|title=Development and Reform under Military Rule|date=1993|work=Military Rule and Transition in Ecuador, 1972–92|pages=35–65|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK|doi=10.1007/978-1-349-08922-2_3|isbn=978-1-349-08924-6}}</ref>


;Other factions
{{legend|{{party color|Military rule}}|[[Ghana Armed Forces|Military]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 268: Line 268:
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;"| {{small|(7)}}
! style="background:{{party color|Military rule}}; color:black;" | {{small|(7)}}
| [[File:Fmr Prez. Rawlings (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[File:Fmr Prez. Rawlings (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[Jerry Rawlings|{{small|Flight Lieutenant}} Jerry Rawlings]]<br />{{small|(1947–2020)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[Provisional National Defence Council|PNDC]]}}
| [[Jerry Rawlings|{{small|Flight Lieutenant}} Jerry Rawlings]]<br />{{small|(1947–2020)}}<br />{{small|Chairman of the [[Provisional National Defence Council|PNDC]]}}
Line 281: Line 281:
|}
|}


==Fourth Republic (1993–present)==
===Fourth Republic (1993–present)===
Under the current Constitution the president is head of both state and government.<ref name="Nketia 2001"/><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Ghana - Constitution & Politics|doi=10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034}}</ref> The president is directly elected 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.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Ghana - Constitution & Politics|doi=10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034}}</ref>
Under the current Constitution the president is head of both state and government.<ref name="Nketia 2001"/><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Ghana - Constitution & Politics|doi=10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034}}</ref> The president is directly elected 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.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Ghana - Constitution & Politics|doi=10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034}}</ref>


;Political parties
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}|[[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|National Democratic Congress]] (NDC)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
⚫
{{legend|{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}|[[New Patriotic Party]] (NPP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

;Symbols
⚫
{{note label|†|†|†}} Died in office
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
Line 298: Line 292:
! rowspan="2" |Political party
! rowspan="2" |Political party
|-
|-
!Took office
! Took office
!Left office
! Left office
!Time in office
! Time in office
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | {{small|(1)}}
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | {{small|(7)}}
| [[File:Fmr Prez. Rawlings (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[File:Fmr Prez. Rawlings (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[Jerry Rawlings]]<br />{{small|(1947–2020)}}
| [[Jerry Rawlings]]<br />{{small|(1947–2020)}}
Line 311: Line 305:
| [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
| [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}; color:white;" | 2
! style="background:{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}; color:white;" | 8
| [[File:John Kufuor 080915-A-8817J-090.JPG|90px]]
| [[File:John Kufuor 080915-A-8817J-090.JPG|90px]]
| [[John Kufuor]]<br />{{small|(born 1938)}}
| [[John Kufuor]]<br />{{small|(born 1938)}}
Line 320: Line 314:
| [[New Patriotic Party|NPP]]
| [[New Patriotic Party|NPP]]
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 3
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 9
| [[File:John Atta Mills.jpg|90px]]
| [[File:John Atta Mills.jpg|90px]]
| [[John Atta Mills]]<br />{{small|(1944–2012)}}
| [[John Atta Mills]]<br />{{small|(1944–2012)}}
Line 329: Line 323:
| [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
| [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 4
! style="background:{{party color|National Democratic Congress (Ghana)}}; color:white;" | 10
| [[File:John Dramani Mahama Aug2014 (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[File:John Dramani Mahama Aug2014 (cropped).jpg|90px]]
| [[John Mahama]]<br />{{small|(born 1958)}}
| [[John Mahama]]<br />{{small|(born 1958)}}
Line 336: Line 330:
| {{nowrap|7 January}} 2017
| {{nowrap|7 January}} 2017
| {{ayd|2012|7|24|2017|1|7}}
| {{ayd|2012|7|24|2017|1|7}}
|[[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
| [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]]
|-
|-
! style="background:{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}; color:white;" | 5
! style="background:{{party color|New Patriotic Party}}; color:white;" | 11
| [[File:Nana Akufo Addo, Jan. 2020.jpg|90px]]
| [[File:Nana Akufo Addo, Jan. 2020.jpg|90px]]
| [[Nana Akufo-Addo]]<br />{{small|(born 1944)}}
| [[Nana Akufo-Addo]]<br />{{small|(born 1944)}}
Line 358: Line 352:
Colors =
Colors =
id:independent value:rgb(0.710,0.710,0.710) legend:None_(Independent)
id:independent value:rgb(0.710,0.710,0.710) legend:None_(Independent)
id:military value:rgb(0.76,0.69,0.57) legend:Military
id:military value:rgb(0.76,0.69,0.57) legend:Military
id:cpp value:rgb(0.81,0.07,0.15) legend:Convention_People's_Party
id:cpp value:rgb(0.81,0.07,0.15) legend:Convention_People's_Party
id:pnp value:rgb(0.89,0.2,0.18) legend:People's_National_Party
id:pnp value:rgb(0.89,0.2,0.18) legend:People's_National_Party
id:ndc value:rgb(0.04,0.39,0.21) legend:National_Democratic_Congress
id:ndc value:rgb(0.04,0.39,0.21) legend:National_Democratic_Congress
id:npp value:rgb(0.04,0.18,0.48) legend:New_Patriotic_Party
id:npp value:rgb(0.04,0.18,0.48) legend:New_Patriotic_Party


id:gray1 value:gray(0.85)
id:gray1 value:gray(0.85)
Line 368: Line 362:


DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1960 till:$today
Period = from:01/01/1960 till:31/12/{{#expr:{{#time:Y}}+1}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:gray1 unit:year increment:5 start:1960
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:gray1 unit:year increment:5 start:1960
Line 398: Line 392:


bar:Nkrumah
bar:Nkrumah
from: 01/07/1960 till: 24/02/1966 color:cpp text:"[[Kwame Nkrumah]]"
from: 01/07/1960 till: 24/02/1966 color:cpp text:"[[Kwame Nkrumah]]"
bar:Ankrah
bar:Ankrah
from: 24/02/1966 till: 02/04/1969 color:military text:"[[Joseph Arthur Ankrah]]"
from: 24/02/1966 till: 02/04/1969 color:military text:"[[Joseph Arthur Ankrah]]"
bar:Afrifa
bar:Afrifa
from: 02/04/1969 till: 07/08/1970 color:military text:"[[Akwasi Afrifa]]"
from: 02/04/1969 till: 07/08/1970 color:military text:"[[Akwasi Afrifa]]"
bar:Ollennu
bar:Ollennu
from: 07/08/1970 till: 31/08/1970 color:independent text:"[[Nii Amaa Ollennu]] (acting)"
from: 07/08/1970 till: 31/08/1970 color:independent text:"[[Nii Amaa Ollennu]] (acting)"
Line 408: Line 402:
from: 31/08/1970 till: 13/01/1972 color:independent text:"[[Edward Akufo-Addo]]"
from: 31/08/1970 till: 13/01/1972 color:independent text:"[[Edward Akufo-Addo]]"
bar:Acheampong
bar:Acheampong
from: 13/01/1972 till: 05/07/1978 color:military text:"[[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]]"
from: 13/01/1972 till: 05/07/1978 color:military text:"[[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]]"
bar:Akuffo
bar:Akuffo
from: 05/07/1978 till: 04/06/1979 color:military text:"[[Fred Akuffo]]"
from: 05/07/1978 till: 04/06/1979 color:military text:"[[Fred Akuffo]]"
bar:Rawlings
bar:Rawlings
from: 04/06/1979 till: 24/09/1979 color:military
from: 04/06/1979 till: 24/09/1979 color:military
from: 31/12/1981 till: 28/07/1992 color:military
from: 31/12/1981 till: 28/07/1992 color:military
from: 28/07/1992 till: 07/01/2001 color:ndc text:"[[Jerry Rawlings]]"
from: 28/07/1992 till: 07/01/2001 color:ndc text:"[[Jerry Rawlings]]"
bar:Limann
bar:Limann
from: 24/09/1979 till: 31/12/1981 color:pnp text:"[[Hilla Limann]]"
from: 24/09/1979 till: 31/12/1981 color:pnp text:"[[Hilla Limann]]"
bar:Kufuor
bar:Kufuor
from: 07/01/2001 till: 07/01/2009 color:npp text:"[[John Kufuor]]"
from: 07/01/2001 till: 07/01/2009 color:npp text:"[[John Kufuor]]"
bar:Mills
bar:Mills
from: 07/01/2009 till: 24/07/2012 color:ndc text:"[[John Atta Mills]]"
from: 07/01/2009 till: 24/07/2012 color:ndc text:"[[John Atta Mills]]"
bar:Mahama
bar:Mahama
from: 24/07/2012 till: 07/01/2017 color:ndc text:"[[John Mahama]]"
from: 24/07/2012 till: 07/01/2017 color:ndc text:"[[John Mahama]]"
bar:NanaAkufo-Addo
bar:NanaAkufo-Addo
from: 07/01/2017 till: $today color:npp text:"[[Nana Akufo-Addo]]"
from: 07/01/2017 till: $today color:npp text:"[[Nana Akufo-Addo]]"


}}
}}

Revision as of 18:32, 19 June 2024

Politics of Ghana
Constitution
Executive
Legislative
Judiciary
Elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations
map Africa portal icon Politics portal

This is a list of the heads of state of Ghana, from the independence of Ghana in 1957 to the present day.[1]

From 1957 to 1960 the head of state under the Constitution of 1957 was the Queen of U.K, Elizabeth II, who was also the Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.[2] The monarch was represented in Ghana by a governor-general.[3] Ghana became a republic within the Commonwealth under the Constitution of 1960 and the monarch and governor-general were replaced by an executive president.[4]

Monarch (1957–1960)

The succession to the throne was the same as the succession to the British throne.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Reign Royal House Prime minister
Reign start Reign end Duration
1 Queen Elizabeth II
(1926–2022) 		6 March 1957 1 July 1960 3 years, 117 days Windsor Nkrumah

Governor-general

Flag of the governor-general of Ghana

The governor-general was the representative of the monarch in Ghana and exercised most of the powers of the monarch.[5] The governor-general was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. Since Ghana was granted independence by the Ghana Independence Act 1957, rather than being first established as a semi-autonomous Dominion and later promoted to independence by the Statute of Westminster 1931,[6] the governor-general was to be always appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Ghana without the involvement of the British government, with the sole exception of Charles Arden-Clarke, the former colonial governor, who served as governor-general temporarily until he was replaced by William Hare.[7] In the event of a vacancy the chief justice served as officer administering the government.[8]

Status
  Denotes Chief Justice acting as Officer Administering the Government
No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term of office Monarch Prime minister
Took office Left office Time in office
1 Sir Charles Arden-Clarke
(1898–1962) 		6 March 1957 14 May 1957 69 days Elizabeth II Nkrumah
— Sir Kobina Arku Korsah
(1894–1967) 		14 May 1957 13 November 1957 183 days
2 The Earl of Listowel
(1906–1997) 		13 November 1957 1 July 1960 2 years, 231 days

Republic (1960–present)

Political parties
  Convention People's Party (CPP)
  People's National Party (PNP)
  National Democratic Congress (NDC)
  New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Other factions
  Military
  Independent
Status
  Denotes acting president
Symbols

C Constitutional referendum

† Died in office

First Republic (1960–1966)

Under the Constitution of 1960, the first constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the president replaced the monarch as executive head of state.[9] 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.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Elected Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
1 Kwame Nkrumah
(1909–1972) 		1960
1964[C] 		1 July 1960 26 February 1966
(Deposed in a coup) 		5 years, 240 days CPP

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.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
2 Lieutenant-General Joseph Arthur Ankrah
(1915–1992)
Chairman of the NLC 		24 February 1966 2 April 1969
(Resigned) 		3 years, 37 days Military
3 Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa
(1936–1979)
Chairman of the NLC 		2 April 1969 3 September 1969 154 days

Second Republic (1969–1972)

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Elected Term of office Political party Prime minister
Took office Left office Time in office
(3) Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa
(1936–1979)
Chairman of the Presidential Commission 		— 3 September 1969 7 August 1970 338 days Military Busia
— Nii Amaa Ollennu
(1906–1986) 		— 7 August 1970 31 August 1970 24 days Independent
4 Edward Akufo-Addo
(1906–1979) 		— 31 August 1970 13 January 1972
(Deposed in a coup) 		1 year, 135 days Independent

Military rule (1972–1979)

General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong led a coup d'état which overthrew President Akufo-Addo, Prime Minister Abrefa Busia and his government, all political parties, and Parliament were also dissolved.[10]

Lieutenant General Fred Akuffo led a palace coup which overthrew General Acheampong,[11] then Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings led a coup d'état which overthrown the Supreme Military Council.[12]

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
5 General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong
(1931–1979)
Chairman of the NRC 		13 January 1972 5 July 1978
(Deposed in a coup) 		6 years, 173 days Military
Chairman of the SMC
from 9 October 1975
6 Lieutenant-General Fred Akuffo
(1937–1979)
Chairman of the SMC 		5 July 1978 4 June 1979
(Deposed in a coup) 		334 days
7 Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings
(1947–2020)
Chairman of the AFRC 		4 June 1979 24 September 1979 112 days

Third Republic (1979–1981)[13]

Under the Constitution of 1979 the president was head of both state and government. The president was directly elected and served a four-year term that expired at the next general election; a president might serve a maximum of two terms.[14] In the event of a vacancy the vice-president served as acting president.[13]

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Elected Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
8 Hilla Limann
(1934–1998) 		1979 24 September 1979 31 December 1981
(Deposed in a coup) 		2 years, 98 days PNP

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.[15][16]

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
(7) Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings
(1947–2020)
Chairman of the PNDC 		31 December 1981 7 January 1993 11 years, 7 days Military

Fourth Republic (1993–present)

Under the current Constitution the president is head of both state and government.[13][17] The president is directly elected 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.[18]

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Elected Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
(7) Jerry Rawlings
(1947–2020) 		1992
1996 		7 January 1993 7 January 2001 8 years NDC
8 John Kufuor
(born 1938) 		2000
2004 		7 January 2001 7 January 2009 8 years NPP
9 John Atta Mills
(1944–2012) 		2008 7 January 2009 24 July 2012[†] 3 years, 199 days NDC
10 John Mahama
(born 1958) 		2012 24 July 2012 7 January 2017 4 years, 167 days NDC
11 Nana Akufo-Addo
(born 1944) 		2016
2020 		7 January 2017 Incumbent 7 years, 247 days NPP

Timeline since 1960

Nana Akufo-AddoJohn MahamaJohn Atta MillsJohn KufuorHilla LimannJerry RawlingsFred AkuffoIgnatius Kutu AcheampongEdward Akufo-AddoNii Amaa OllennuAkwasi AfrifaJoseph Arthur AnkrahKwame Nkrumah

Demographics

Head of state Ethnicity Religious affiliation
Kwame Nkrumah Nzema (Akan) Roman Catholic (later Nondenominational Christian)[19]
Joseph Ankrah Ga Methodist
Akwasi Afrifa Ashanti (Akan) Anglican
Nii Amaa Ollennu Ga Presbyterian
Edward Akufo-Addo Akuapem (Akan) Presbyterian
Kofi Abrefa Busia Bono (Akan) Methodist
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong Ashanti (Akan) Roman Catholic
Fred Akuffo Akuapem (Akan) Presbyterian
Hilla Limann Sissala Roman Catholic
Jerry John Rawlings Scottish/Anlo Ewe Roman Catholic
John Agyekum Kufuor Ashanti (Akan) Roman Catholic
John Atta Mills Fante (Akan) Methodist
John Dramani Mahama Gonja Assemblies of God (raised Presbyterian)
Nana Akufo-Addo Akuapem/Akyem (Akan) Anglican (raised Presbyterian)

Standards

  • Governor-General's standard
  • Presidential standard

References

  1. ^ "Independence, Coups, and the Republic, 1957–present", The Ghana Reader, Duke University Press, pp. 299–300, 2016, doi:10.1215/9780822374961-060, ISBN 978-0-8223-7496-1
  2. ^ "Magnum Photos". pro.magnumphotos.com. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Magnum Photos". pro.magnumphotos.com. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Ghana – INDEPENDENT GHANA". countrystudies.us. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  5. ^ Vandrei, Martha (19 July 2018). "That ubiquitous monarch". Oxford Scholarship Online. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198816720.003.0007.
  6. ^ Ibingira, Grace Stuart (30 April 2019), "Ghana", African Upheavals Since Independence, Routledge, pp. 51–59, doi:10.4324/9780429052002-4, ISBN 978-0-429-05200-2, S2CID 240905963
  7. ^ "Lewis, Sir Allen (Montgomery), (26 Oct. 1909–18 Feb. 1993), Governor-General of St Lucia, 1982–87 (first Governor-General, 1979–80; Governor, 1974–79)", Who Was Who, Oxford University Press, 1 December 2007, doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u173811
  8. ^ Prempeh, H. Kwasi (30 July 2013). "Constitutional autochthony and the invention and survival of "absolute presidentialism" in postcolonial Africa". Order from Transfer: 209–234. doi:10.4337/9781781952115.00020. ISBN 9781781952115.
  9. ^ Todd E, Pettys (9 February 2018). "Part Two The Iowa Constitution and Commentary, Art.IV Executive Department". The Iowa State Constitution. doi:10.1093/law/9780190490836.003.0007.
  10. ^ "Busia, Dr. Kofi Abrefa, (11 July 1913–28 Aug. 1978), Prime Minister of Ghana, 1969–72", Who Was Who, Oxford University Press, 1 December 2007, doi:10.1093/WW/9780199540884.013.u152838
  11. ^ Rich, Jeremy (8 December 2011), "Akuffo, Fred", African American Studies Center, Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.48197, ISBN 978-0-19-530173-1
  12. ^ Shillington, Kevin. (1992). Ghana and the Rawlings factor. Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-56845-1. OCLC 28182404.
  13. ^ a b c Nketia, J.H. Kwabena (2001), Ghana, Republic of, Oxford Music Online, Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.11009
  14. ^ Yankson-Mensah, Marian. (2020). Transitional justice in Ghana an appraisal of the National Reconciliation Commission. T.M.C. Asser Press. ISBN 978-94-6265-379-5. OCLC 1151190908.
  15. ^ Gyimah-Boadi, E. (1993). Ghana under the PNDC rule. CODESRIA. ISBN 2-86978-018-4. OCLC 475366719.
  16. ^ Isaacs, Anita (1993), "Development and Reform under Military Rule", Military Rule and Transition in Ecuador, 1972–92, Palgrave Macmillan UK, pp. 35–65, doi:10.1007/978-1-349-08922-2_3, ISBN 978-1-349-08924-6
  17. ^ "Ghana - Constitution & Politics". doi:10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  18. ^ "Ghana - Constitution & Politics". doi:10.1163/2213-2996_flg_com_081034. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  19. ^ Miller, Jon (22 May 2014). Missionary Zeal and Institutional Control: Organizational Contradictions in the Basel Mission on the Gold Coast 1828-1917. Routledge. p. 30. ISBN 978-1-136-87625-7.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_heads_of_state_of_Ghana&oldid=1229961657"