Convention People's Party facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Convention People's Party
Apam Nkorɔfo Kuw (Akan)
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|---|---|
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| Leader | Edmund N. Delle |
| Chairman | Edmund N. Delle |
| Nii Armah Akomfrah | Nii Armah Akomfrah |
| Founder | Kwame Nkrumah |
| Founded | June 12, 1949. Banned 1966. Refounded 29 January 1996. |
| Headquarters | House No. 64, Mango Tree Avenue, Asylum Down, Accra, Ghana |
| Youth wing |
Convention People's Party Youth League
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| Ideology | Nkrumaism Socialism Pan-Africanism |
| Political position | Left-wing |
| Colors | Red, white and green |
| Slogan |
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| 6th Parliament of 4th Republic |
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| Election symbol | |
| Red cockerel on a white background | |
| Website | |
| http://conventionpeoplesparty.org/ | |
The Convention People's Party (CPP) is a political group in Ghana. It is based on the ideas of Kwame Nkrumah, who was Ghana's first president. The party believes in socialist ideas and Pan-Africanism, which means uniting people of African descent.
The CPP was started by Kwame Nkrumah on June 12, 1949. Its main goal was to make the Gold Coast (which is what Ghana was called then) an independent country. From 1951 to 1966, the CPP was the ruling party. First, it governed the Gold Coast as a British colony. Then, it led independent Ghana from 1957 to 1966. In 1964, the rules changed, making the CPP the only legal party in Ghana. This meant Ghana became a one-party state. However, the party was banned after a military takeover on February 24, 1966. Later, in 1996, the party was formed again.
Forming the CPP: A Push for Independence
The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was formed in 1947. Its aim was also to gain independence for Ghana. However, Kwame Nkrumah felt the UGCC was not pushing hard enough. He wanted Ghana to become independent right away. Because of this difference, he left the UGCC.
On June 12, 1949, Nkrumah started the CPP. Their motto was "self-government now." This showed their strong desire for immediate freedom.
In January 1950, the CPP called for countrywide protests and strikes. During these events, some police officers were killed. Nkrumah and other CPP leaders were arrested and put in prison. But this only made Nkrumah more popular. In 1951, general elections were held. The CPP won by a lot, even with Nkrumah in jail. After the election, Nkrumah was released. He then formed the first African government in the colony.
Ghana Becomes Independent with CPP Leadership
In 1951, Nkrumah created the first African government in the British Empire. This was a big step, but Ghana was not fully independent yet. Nkrumah did not want local rulers who supported the British to have power. He believed they were not chosen by the people. He started the CPP with others, including Dzenkle Dzewu, Saki Sheck, and Kojo Botsio.
In 1956, more elections took place. The British promised that if most people voted for independence, a date would be set. The CPP won 71 out of 104 seats. This victory cleared the way for Ghana to become independent on March 6, 1957.
After independence, the CPP passed some laws that later caused problems. The Trade Union Act made strikes illegal. The Preventive Detention Act allowed the government to hold political opponents without a trial. In 1964, a vote was held that was not fair. This vote made the CPP the only legal party. It also made Nkrumah the president for life of both the country and the party.
These events led to the overthrow of the CPP in 1966. A group called the National Liberation Council took over the government. After this takeover, the CPP was banned.
The CPP Returns to Politics
The CPP was not active again until January 29, 1996. On this date, two other parties, the National Convention Party and the People's Convention Party, joined together. They formed the new Convention People's Party. Since 1996, the CPP has taken part in every election.
In the 2004 elections, the party won three out of 230 seats in parliament. Their candidate for president, George Aggudey, received only 1.0% of the votes.
In the 2008 elections, the party won one seat in parliament. This seat was won by Samia Nkrumah in the Jomoro area. The presidential candidate, Paa Kwesi Nduom, got 1.4% of the total votes.
