Introduction
Lieutenant General Joseph Arthur Ankrah served as Ghana’s head of state from 1966 to 1969, leading the National Liberation Council (NLC) following the overthrow of President Kwame Nkrumah. During his tenure, several key documents and correspondences marked his administration:
Letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson (March 24, 1966):
- Shortly after assuming power, Lt. Gen. Ankrah wrote to U.S. President Johnson explaining the reasons behind the coup. He highlighted the need to counteract a “growing communist menace” and address Ghana’s deteriorating economy. Ankrah emphasized the NLC’s commitment to restoring democracy and strengthening ties with Western nations.
National Liberation Council Proclamations:
- The NLC issued several proclamations outlining its policies and governance approach. These documents detailed the council’s plans for economic stabilization, political restructuring, and foreign relations. They also addressed the suspension of certain constitutional provisions and the dissolution of existing political structures.
Economic Policy Statements:
- Under Ankrah’s leadership, the NLC adopted structural adjustment policies recommended by international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Official statements and documents from this period reflect the government’s efforts to privatize national enterprises, devalue the Ghanaian cedi, and shift budgetary priorities. Despite these measures, the intended economic improvements were not fully realized.
Reference:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Liberation_Council
- https://history.state.gov//historicaldocuments/frus1964-68v24/d261