THE PRESIDENCY
First Republic (1960–1966)
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
- Led Ghana to independence in 1957 as Prime Minister.
- Overthrown in a coup in 1966.
Second Republic (1969–1972)
Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia
- Prime Minister under a ceremonial president, Edward Akufo-Addo.
- Government overthrown in 1972 by a military coup.
Second Republic (1969–1972)
Edward Akufo-Addo
- Edward Akufo-Addo (father of the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo) was chosen as the ceremonial president. In this system, his role was largely symbolic, with limited political power.
- The executive functions of government were controlled by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
Military Rule (1972–1979)
Col. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (1972–1978)
- Led the National Redemption Council, later renamed Supreme Military Council.
Military Rule (1972–1979)
Lt. Gen. Frederick W.K. Akuffo (1978–1979)
- Took over after Acheampong.
- Overthrown in the 1979 coup led by Flight Lt. Jerry Rawlings.
Military Rule (1981–1993)
Flight Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (1981–1993)
- Led the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) until a return to democracy.
Fourth Republic (2017–Present)
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
- Won the 2016 election and was re-elected in 2020, to serve a second term.
