๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Introduction

After the First Republic ended in 1966, Ghana was governed by the National Liberation Council (NLC). However, military rule was not intended to continue indefinitely. Steps were eventually taken to return Ghana to civilian and constitutional government.

This process led to the 1969 general election, the victory of the Progress Party, and the establishment of Ghanaโ€™s Second Republic under the leadership of Dr. K. A. Busia.

๐ŸŽฏ What Youโ€™ll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Explain how Ghana returned to civilian government in 1969.
  • Describe the 1969 general election and the establishment of the Second Republic.
  • Identify the main features of the 1969 Constitution.
  • Compare the 1960 and 1969 Constitutions.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ From Military to Civilian Government

After the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah on 24 February 1966, the National Liberation Council (NLC) took control of Ghana.

The NLC was a military-police government.

One important task during this period was preparing Ghana for a return to constitutional civilian rule.

This required:

  • Preparing a new constitution.
  • Allowing political activity to resume.
  • Organising elections.
  • Establishing institutions for civilian government.

These developments eventually led to the birth of the Second Republic.

๐Ÿ“œ The 1969 Constitution

A new constitution was introduced to provide the framework for civilian government.

The 1969 Constitution established a parliamentary system of government.

Unlike the 1960 Constitution, executive political leadership was centred on the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ The 1969 General Election

A general election was held on 29 August 1969 as part of Ghana’s transition back to civilian government.

Several political parties participated.

The Progress Party (PP) emerged as the winning party.

Its leader was:

๐Ÿ‘ค Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia

The Progress Party’s victory placed Busia in the leading position in the new civilian government.

๐Ÿ‘ค Dr. K. A. Busia

Dr. K. A. Busia became Prime Minister during the Second Republic.

As Prime Minister, he served as the Head of Government.

He worked with a Cabinet of ministers who were responsible for different areas of government.

The Second Republic therefore differed significantly from Nkrumah’s First Republic, where the President had been the central executive authority.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Establishment of the Second Republic

The Second Republic officially began on 1 October 1969, when the NLC transferred political authority to the new civilian government.

This brought military rule to an end and restored constitutional government.

The transition can be remembered as:

NLC Rule โ†’ New Constitution โ†’ 1969 Election โ†’ Progress Party Victory โ†’ Transfer of Power โ†’ Second Republic

๐Ÿค Transfer of Power from the NLC

The transfer of power was important because political authority moved from a military-police administration to an elected civilian government.

The NLC handed authority to the new constitutional administration headed by Prime Minister Busia.

This demonstrated an attempt to restore democratic and constitutional rule following the 1966 coup.

โš–๏ธ Parliamentary Government

One of the most important features of the Second Republic was its parliamentary system.

Under this arrangement:

  • The Prime Minister was Head of Government.
  • The Prime Minister led the Cabinet.
  • Ministers played important roles in government administration.
  • Parliament was central to the political system.
  • There was a separate ceremonial President as Head of State.

๐Ÿ‘ค Head of State and Head of Government

This distinction is important.

Head of State

Edward Akufo-Addo became President and served mainly as the constitutional Head of State.

Head of Government

Dr. K. A. Busia served as Prime Minister and exercised leadership over the government.

Therefore:

Edward Akufo-Addo โ†’ President / Head of State

K. A. Busia โ†’ Prime Minister / Head of Government

Students should avoid confusing these two positions.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ The Cabinet

The Cabinet consisted of senior ministers who helped direct government policies.

The Prime Minister headed the Cabinet.

Cabinet ministers were responsible for areas such as:

  • Finance
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Health
  • Foreign affairs
  • Trade

The Cabinet therefore played an important role in the administration of the country.

๐Ÿ“œ Main Features of the 1969 Constitution

Important features included:

1. Parliamentary Government

The Constitution established a parliamentary rather than a strong presidential executive system.

2. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister served as Head of Government.

3. President

Ghana had a President who served primarily as Head of State.

4. Cabinet Government

The Prime Minister worked with ministers in Cabinet to administer the country.

5. Parliament

Parliament played an important role in law-making and government.

6. Constitutional Government

Political authority was to be exercised according to the Constitution and established institutions.

๐Ÿ”„ Comparing the 1960 and 1969 Constitutions

One of the easiest ways to understand the Second Republic is to compare it with the First Republic.

1960 Constitution 1969 Constitution
Established the First Republic Established the Second Republic
Presidential system Parliamentary system
President was central executive leader Prime Minister headed government
Kwame Nkrumah was President K. A. Busia was Prime Minister
President was Head of State and Government Head of State and Head of Government were separate
Strong executive presidency Greater emphasis on parliamentary government

๐Ÿง  The Important Difference

Consider these two arrangements:

First Republic

Kwame Nkrumah
โ†“
President
โ†“
Head of State + Head of Government

Second Republic

Edward Akufo-Addo
โ†“
President / Head of State

and

K. A. Busia
โ†“
Prime Minister / Head of Government

This is one of the major constitutional differences students should remember.

๐Ÿ“… Important Dates

24 February 1966

The First Republic ended.

29 August 1969

Ghana held its general election.

1 October 1969

The Second Republic began with the transfer of power to civilian government.

Keeping these dates in the correct sequence makes the political transition easier to understand.

๐ŸŒŸ Importance of the Second Republic

The establishment of the Second Republic was important because it:

  • Returned Ghana to civilian government.
  • Restored constitutional rule after military administration.
  • Introduced a parliamentary system.
  • Allowed political parties to compete in elections.
  • Created separate roles for the Head of State and Head of Government.

It was therefore another important stage in Ghana’s constitutional development.

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Words

Second Republic: Ghana’s constitutional civilian government established in 1969.

Parliamentary System: A system in which the Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive leadership while remaining closely connected to Parliament.

Prime Minister: The Head of Government under the 1969 Constitution.

Progress Party: The political party led by Dr. K. A. Busia that won the 1969 general election.

Cabinet: Senior government ministers who help formulate and implement government policies.

NLC: National Liberation Council, the military-police government that ruled after the overthrow of the First Republic.

๐Ÿ“ Lesson Summary

Following the overthrow of the First Republic in 1966, Ghana was governed by the National Liberation Council. The NLC eventually prepared the country for a return to civilian constitutional government.

The 1969 general election was won by the Progress Party, led by Dr. K. A. Busia. On 1 October 1969, power was transferred to the civilian government and Ghana’s Second Republic began.

The 1969 Constitution introduced a parliamentary system. Edward Akufo-Addo served as President and Head of State, while Dr. K. A. Busia served as Prime Minister and Head of Government.

This differed significantly from the 1960 Constitution, under which President Kwame Nkrumah had been both Head of State and Head of Government.

๐ŸŽฏ Let’s Practise!

A. Multiple Choice

1. Which political organisation governed Ghana immediately before the Second Republic?

A. Progress Party
B. National Liberation Council
C. Convention People’s Party
D. National Democratic Congress

2. Which party won the 1969 general election?

A. Progress Party
B. Convention People’s Party
C. United Party
D. National Liberation Council

3. Who became Prime Minister during the Second Republic?

A. Kwame Nkrumah
B. Edward Akufo-Addo
C. J. B. Danquah
D. K. A. Busia

4. Which system of government was established by the 1969 Constitution?

A. Military system
B. Presidential system
C. Parliamentary system
D. Monarchical system

5. What was a major difference between the 1960 and 1969 Constitutions?

A. The 1960 Constitution created a parliamentary system.
B. The 1969 Constitution separated the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.
C. The 1969 Constitution abolished Parliament.
D. The 1960 Constitution had a Prime Minister as Head of Government.

B. True or False

6. Dr. K. A. Busia served as Prime Minister during the Second Republic. ________

7. Under the 1969 Constitution, the President and Prime Minister performed exactly the same role. ________

8. The Second Republic marked Ghana’s return from military rule to civilian constitutional government. ________

C. Short Answer

9. State three features of the 1969 Constitution.

10. Give three differences between the 1960 and 1969 Constitutions.

Answers: 1 B | 2 A | 3 D | 4 C | 5 B | 6 True | 7 False | 8 True

PreviousNext