Stories and facts
Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, marked the beginning of a new political era, replacing British colonial rule with self-governance.
Over the years, Ghana’s political landscape has evolved through various forms of governance, including multiparty democracy, one-party rule, and military interventions.
End of Colonial Rule and the Birth of Ghanaian Politics
Before independence, Ghana was governed by the British colonial administration, with limited political participation for Ghanaians. The struggle for self-rule led to the formation of political parties, the most prominent being:
United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) – Founded in 1947 by J.B. Danquah and others, it was the first political party advocating for self-government.
Convention People’s Party (CPP) – Formed in 1949 by Kwame Nkrumah, it became the dominant party that led Ghana to independence.
The Transition to a Republican System (1960)
In 1960, Ghana became a republic, officially removing British influence. Kwame Nkrumah became the first President and in 1964, he declared Ghana a one-party state, making the CPP the only legal party. However, in 1966, the military overthrew Nkrumah, leading to years of instability.
Political Instability and Military Rule (1966–1992)
Between 1966 and 1992, Ghana experienced several military coups, with political parties being banned and reinstated multiple times. Some of the key political parties formed during this period included:
Progress Party (PP) – Founded in 1969 by Kofi Abrefa Busia, this party won the 1969 elections but was overthrown in 1972.
People’s National Party (PNP) – Formed in 1979 by Hilla Limann, it was the successor of the CPP and ruled briefly before being ousted by Jerry John Rawlings in 1981.
During military rule, political parties were often banned, with governance controlled by military regimes such as the National Redemption Council (NRC), Supreme Military Council (SMC), and Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under Rawlings.
The Return to Multiparty Democracy (1992 – Present)
In 1992, Ghana adopted a new constitution, reintroducing multiparty democracy. Several political parties emerged, including:
National Democratic Congress (NDC) – Founded in 1992 by Jerry John Rawlings, this party has remained one of the two dominant political parties.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) – Formed in 1992, it is the ideological successor of the UGCC and Progress Party and is the second dominant party.
People’s National Convention (PNC) – Established in 1992, tracing its roots to the PNP of Hilla Limann.
Convention People’s Party (CPP) – Revived in 1996 as a continuation of Nkrumah’s original party.
Other Political Parties in Ghana’s Democratic Era
Apart from the major parties, several smaller parties have also participated in Ghana’s elections, including:
Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) – Formed in 1996 by Dan Lartey.
Democratic People’s Party (DPP) – Founded in 1992.
United Ghana Movement (UGM) – Formed by Charles Wereko-Brobby in the late 1990s.
Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) – A minor party founded in 2007.
Progressive People’s Party (PPP) – Formed in 2012 by Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, a former CPP member.
National Democratic Party (NDP) – Founded in 2012 by Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of Jerry Rawlings.
All People’s Congress (APC) – Founded in 2016 by Hassan Ayariga.
Independence transformed Ghana’s political landscape, leading to the formation of multiple political parties and shifts between democracy and military rule. Despite periods of instability, Ghana has become one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with a competitive multiparty system that continues to shape the country’s future.
Explore below the various political parties formed in Ghana after independence in 1957.
