Personality
Edward Akufo-Addo served as the ceremonial President of Ghana’s Second Republic from August 31, 1970, to January 13, 1972, with real executive power vested in Prime Minister Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia.
Born on June 26, 1906, in Dodowa, Greater Accra Region, to William Martin Addo-Danquah and Theodora Amuafi, Akufo-Addo hailed from Akropong. He received his primary education at Presbyterian schools in Akropong and later attended Achimota College. In 1929, he earned a scholarship to St. Peter’s College, Oxford, where he studied Mathematics, Politics, and Philosophy, graduating with honors in 1933.
Legal and Political Career
Called to the Middle Temple Bar in London in 1940, Akufo-Addo returned to the Gold Coast in 1941 to establish a private legal practice in Accra. In 1947, he co-founded the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and was among the “Big Six” detained following the 1948 Accra disturbances. He served on the Gold Coast Legislative Council and the Coussey Constitutional Commission from 1949 to 1950.
Between 1962 and 1964, Akufo-Addo was a Supreme Court Judge but was dismissed after ruling against the government in a treason trial. Following the 1966 coup that ousted President Kwame Nkrumah, he was appointed Chief Justice by the National Liberation Council (NLC) and chaired the Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1969 Second Republican Constitution.
Presidency (1970–1972)
On August 31, 1970, Akufo-Addo became the ceremonial President of Ghana, with executive powers held by Prime Minister Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia. During this period, the government prioritized rural development, establishing the Ministry of Social and Rural Development and launching projects to provide potable water, electricity, and healthcare to rural communities. Notable initiatives included the Kwanyako water project near Agona Swedru and the Barekese Dam to supply water to the Greater Kumasi area.
The administration also focused on education, expanding secondary and higher education institutions, and improving infrastructure. The National Service Corps was created to engage young graduates in community development projects.
Overthrow and Later Life
Akufo-Addo’s presidency ended abruptly on January 13, 1972, when a military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong overthrew the government, suspending the constitution and dissolving the National Assembly.
After his deposition, Akufo-Addo retired from public life and passed away on July 17, 1979, in Accra.
Reference:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Akufo-Addo
- https://www.rawgist.com/ghana-retrospect-part-5-ghana-busia-october-1969-january-1972/