The second head of state of Ghana from 1966 to 1969, Joseph Arthur Ankrah remains the country's first military leader to assume that office. His transition from the barracks to the presidency followed a career marked by pioneering roles in the military, culminating in his leadership of the National Liberation Council after the 1966 coup d'état.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1915 in Accra, Joseph Arthur Ankrah was the son of a Christian Missionary Society overseer, Samuel Paul Cofie Ankrah, and his wife Beatrice Abashie Quaynor. His formal education began in 1921 at the Wesleyan Methodist School, where he established a reputation for assertive leadership. He later attended Accra Academy, obtaining his Senior Cambridge School Certificate in 1937 before entering the Ghana Civil Service.
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Ankrah joined the Gold Coast Regiment in 1939 and was mobilized for World War II. In 1947, he graduated from the Marshfield Officer Cadets Training Unit in the United Kingdom, becoming the first African officer in the Gold Coast Army. His career reached a significant milestone in 1961 when he became the first Ghanaian commander of the Ghana Army. During the United Nations Operation in the Congo, he earned the Military Cross for his actions in Leopoldville.
Political Leadership and Tenure
Following his dismissal from the military in 1965 on suspicion of plotting against President Kwame Nkrumah, Ankrah moved into the financial sector as Director of the National Investment Bank. After the February 1966 coup, he was invited to chair the National Liberation Council. During his presidency, he also held the roles of Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, while serving as the fourth chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity in 1966. He also acted as a mediator in the Nigerian Civil War.
Resignation and Personal Life
Ankrah’s term as head of state ended in April 1969 following his resignation due to a bribery scandal involving Arthur Nzeribe, a Nigerian businessman. Outside of his professional life, he maintained an interest in sports, serving as the inaugural President of the Council of Patrons for the Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. He was a practitioner of Methodism and had 18 children across several marriages. He died in 1992 in Accra.
Fast facts
- Born: 1915, Accra
- Died: 1992, Accra
- Military Rank: Major General
- Presidency: 1966-1969
- Education: Accra Academy
- Religion: Methodism
- OAU Chairmanship: 1966
Questions readers ask
What was Joseph Arthur Ankrah's role in the 1966 coup?
Following the February 24, 1966 coup d'état led by Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and Akwasi Afrifa, Ankrah was invited to become the Chairman of the National Liberation Council and Head of State.
Why did Ankrah resign as head of state?
He resigned in April 1969 after being implicated in a bribery scandal involving the Nigerian businessman Arthur Nzeribe.
Achievements
- President of Ghana (1966–1969)
- chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity (1966–1966)
- Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Minister for Defence (1966–1968)
- Educated at Accra Academy
