Personality
Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (24 April 1936 – 26 June 1979) was a Ghanaian soldier and politician who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s political landscape between 1966 and 1969. He was instrumental in the coup d’état that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah on 24 February 1966, leading to the establishment of the National Liberation Council (NLC).
Role in the 1966 Coup:
As a Major in the Ghana Army, Afrifa collaborated with Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka to orchestrate the coup against Nkrumah’s government. Afrifa was tasked with capturing the Broadcasting House in Accra, a mission he successfully accomplished, enabling Kotoka to announce the coup to the nation.
Positions Held (1966–1969):
Member of the National Liberation Council (1966–1969):
- Following the coup, Afrifa became a member of the NLC, which governed Ghana from 1966 to 1969. He held the position of Commissioner for Finance, Trade, and Economic Affairs during this period.
Chairman of the NLC and Head of State (April 1969 – September 1969):
- In April 1969, Afrifa assumed the role of Chairman of the NLC and became Ghana’s Head of State after the resignation of General Joseph Arthur Ankrah. Ankrah resigned following a bribery scandal, leading to Afrifa’s elevation.
Chairman of the Presidential Commission (September 1969 – August 1970):
- Afrifa oversaw the transition to civilian rule, culminating in the 1969 parliamentary elections. He handed over power to the democratically elected Prime Minister, Kofi Abrefa Busia, on 1 October 1969, and continued to serve as Chairman of the Presidential Commission until August 1970.
Publications:
Afrifa authored “The Ghana Coup: 24th February 1966,” providing an insider’s account of the events leading to the overthrow of Nkrumah’s government.
Demise:
On 26 June 1979, Afrifa was executed by firing squad, along with other senior military officers, following a military uprising led by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council.
Reference:
- https://www.modernghana.com/news/1061145/the-rise-and-fall-of-major-akwasi-amankwah-afrifa.html
- https://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/items/5e9cb844-52c0-4c0f-9064-435b995696d8
- https://www.ghanastar.com/profiles/complete-biography-profile-of-lt-gen-akwasi-amankwa-afrifa-ex-head-of-state-1966/