Sixty years ago, on February 24, 1966, Kwame Nkrumah, who served as Ghana's first president and was instrumental in the country’s independence, was overthrown in a coup d'état. This swift military operation, executed by police and military forces, ended nearly 14 years of his leadership, which was marked by early indicators of economic growth and an influential role in Pan-Africanism. Nkrumah's rise began as Prime Minister during the tail end of colonial rule, and he became a symbol of independence and post-colonial governance in Africa.

Despite initial economic achievements under Nkrumah's governance, the early 1960s saw a downturn that led the country into significant economic distress. Historical perspectives, such as comments from Kwame Osei Kwarteng, an academic from the University of Cape Coast, underscore how the hardships, including shortages of food and essential supplies, contributed to the discontent among the populace. Nkrumah's increasingly authoritarian governance also fueled dissent, culminating in the coup that altered Ghana's political landscape.

The impacts of Nkrumah's coup extended beyond Ghana, influencing political dynamics across the continent. It marked a period of instability that resonated through many African nations grappling with their post-colonial identities. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the complexities of political evolution in Ghana and highlights the ongoing discussions about leadership and governance in the region.