1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum
27 April 1960 |
Choice | Votes | % |
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Yes | 1,008,740 | 88.47% |
No | 131,425 | 11.53% |
Valid votes | 1,140,165 | 100.00% |
Invalid or blank votes | 0 | 0.00% |
Total votes | 1,140,165 | 100.00% |
Registered voters/turnout | 2,098,651 | 54.33% |
Politics of Ghana |
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A constitutional referendum was held in Ghana on 27 April 1960. The main issue was a change in the country's status from a constitutional monarchy with Elizabeth II as head of state, to a republic with a presidential system of government.
Results
Choice | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
For | 1,008,740 | 88.47 | |
Against | 131,425 | 11.53 | |
Total | 1,140,165 | 100.00 | |
Registered voters/turnout | 2,098,651 | – | |
Source: African Elections database |
Aftermath
Presidential elections were held alongside the referendum, which were won by the incumbent Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah. He was inaugurated on 1 July 1960, replacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, and thus eliminating the post of Governor-General.
Four years later, another referendum strengthened the president's powers and turned the country into a one-party state (with an official result of 99.91% in support).