Stories and facts

On November 6, 1978, Ghana faced a critical moment under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo, who had taken over as Chairman of the Supreme Military Council II earlier that year.

The country was grappling with severe economic challenges, including runaway inflation estimated at around 300%, and widespread social unrest marked by numerous strikes from workers demanding relief amid soaring prices.

In response to this turmoil, Akuffo’s government declared a state of emergency, invoking sweeping powers to curb protests and strikes that had paralysed public services and disrupted daily life. The Emergency Decree outlawed strikes and other forms of protest, criminalising any acts deemed to be damaging to property or national security.

This decisive move aimed to restore order, but also tightened government control, allowing for detention without trial and restricting the movement of citizens.

The economic hardship stemmed largely from earlier policies, including a controversial demonetization program intended to combat rampant inflation and stabilise the currency by removing excess liquidity. However, these measures deepened public frustration as prices for consumer goods doubled or even quadrupled, disproportionately impacting urban populations.

By November 1978, the government had dismissed over a thousand striking civil servants, escalating tensions across the country. Despite these restrictions, dissatisfaction simmered beneath the surface, signalling the volatile atmosphere that would soon culminate in further political upheaval.

Akuffo’s tenure was marked by attempts to maintain control while preparing for a transition back to civilian rule, but the social and economic pressures of the time would ultimately challenge the regime’s grip on power. This period remains a crucial moment in Ghana’s history, reflecting the complexities of governance amid crisis and the quest for stability.

Read about other significant historical events in Ghana.