The Ghanaian Revolution

When in March, 1957, Ghana became the first African country in colonial Africa to achieve Independence, the event was enthusiastically welcomed by millions of Africans and liberal non-Africans. Many African people looked up to Ghana with hope, confidence and pride. These people hoped that the torch of freedom would be held aloft in their own countries also. That Ghana had among the highest per capita income in Africa and the best developed educational and health facilities were but some of the factors establishing Ghana's position of stature in Africa. The question then is, how it comes about that beginning with such historic political and economic achievements, the country deteriorated through a series of military coups that eventually led to the bloody revolution of June, 1979. Could the revolution have been avoided? What are the lessons that Ghana itself, and other African countries, can learn? The Ghanaian Revolution attempts, clearly and dispassionately, to answer these questions.