Fred Akuffo

soldier, politician, former Chief of Defence Staff and head of state of Ghana (1937-1979)

Operation Keep Right, initiated on 4 August 1974, remains a defining administrative achievement of Fred Akuffo, who oversaw the national transition of Ghana traffic from the left side of the road to the right. This logistical undertaking demonstrated his capability for complex military and civil command before his elevation to the nation's highest political offices.

Military Training and Early Commands

Born in 1937 at Akropong, Fred Akuffo received his secondary education at the Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School, completing his studies in 1955. Following his enlistment in the Ghana Army in 1957, he pursued professional military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, eventually receiving his commission in 1960. Later, in 1973, he attended the National Defence College in India. His command experience included serving as the officer in charge of the Airborne Training School at Tamale and leading the 6th Battalion of Infantry between 1969 and 1970. He subsequently served as the commander of the Border Guard Unit and the 2nd Brigade.

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Ascent to National Leadership

Akuffo rose through the military hierarchy, becoming Army Commander in April 1974 and Chief of the Defence Staff in April 1976. By 9 October 1975, his military rank and position secured his appointment to the Supreme Military Council. On 5 July 1978, Akuffo orchestrated a palace coup to remove General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong from power. As the new head of state and President of Ghana, he concurrently served as Minister for Defence from 1978 to 1979. During this period, his administration worked toward the restoration of constitutional rule in Ghana.

Deposition and Execution

The tenure of the Supreme Military Council under Akuffo ended on 4 June 1979 during a military uprising led by junior ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces, including Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. This event brought the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council to power. Shortly thereafter, on 26 June 1979, Akuffo was executed at the Teshie Military Range in Accra.