Accra, Ghana — Ghana was officially declared a one-party state on February 1, 1964, under President Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Following a 1964 constitutional referendum, all other political parties were banned, making the CPP the sole legal party.
The official results reported overwhelming support, but many observers regarded them as manipulated and lacking fairness.
After the change, opposition parties ceased to operate, and political dissent was largely suppressed.
Nkrumah argued that a single party would foster national unity and accelerate development, but critics said it stifled democracy and centralized power.
The one‑party system lasted until 24 February 1966, when Nkrumah was overthrown in a military coup, marking the end of the First Republic and the restoration of multi‑party politics.
