Ignatius Kutu Acheampong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong
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| Chairman of the Supreme Military Council | |
| In office 9 October 1975 – 5 July 1978 |
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| Deputy | Fred Akuffo |
| Preceded by | Himself (as Chairman of the National Redemption Council) |
| Succeeded by | Fred Akuffo |
| Chairman of the National Redemption Council | |
| In office 13 January 1972 – 5 July 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Edward Akufo-Addo (as President of Ghana) |
| Succeeded by | Himself (as Chairman of the Supreme Military Council) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 September 1931 Gold Coast |
| Died | 16 June 1979 (aged 47) Accra, Ghana |
| Cause of death | Execution by firing squad |
| Political party | (none) military |
| Spouse | Faustina Acheampong |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Religion | Christian |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Ghana |
| Branch/service | Ghana Army |
| Years of service | 1951–1978 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Royal West African Frontier Force |
| Battles/wars | Congo Crisis |
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (born September 23, 1931 – died June 16, 1979) was a military officer and political leader in Ghana. He served as the head of state of Ghana from January 13, 1972, until July 5, 1978. He was removed from power in a military takeover and later died on June 16, 1979.
Early Life and Military Training
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong was born to Catholic parents from the Ashanti people. His father, James Kwadwo Kutu Acheampong, was a Catholic Catechist. His mother was Madam Akua Manu.
He went to Catholic schools in Trabuom and Kumasi, both in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Later, he attended the Central College of Commerce in Agona Swedru.
Before joining the military, Acheampong worked as a secretary at a timber company. He also taught at Kumasi Commercial College. He even became the Vice Principal at Agona-Swedru College of Commerce.
Acheampong trained to be an officer in Aldershot, England. He joined the Ghana Army in 1959. He also served as a UN peacekeeper during the Congo Crisis.
Time in Power
In January 1972, Acheampong was the commander of Ghana's First Infantry Brigade. He led a peaceful military takeover, removing the government of Dr. Kofi Busia. This happened on January 13, 1972.
After this, he became the head of state. He was also the chairman of the National Redemption Council (NRC). This council later changed its name to the Supreme Military Council in October 1975. Acheampong was promoted to General and remained its chairman.
A few months after Acheampong took power, former president Kwame Nkrumah passed away. Nkrumah had been living outside Ghana. Acheampong allowed Nkrumah's body to be brought back to Ghana. He was buried in his home village of Nkroful in July 1972.
During Acheampong's time as leader, Ghana saw several important changes. The country switched from using old imperial measurements to the metric system. Driving also changed from the left side of the road to the right side. This was called "Operation Keep Right."
He also started "Operation Feed Yourself." This program aimed to help Ghana grow enough food for its people. Another program, "National Reconstruction," focused on creating jobs and improving skills for workers. Cities also saw improvements, and sports stadiums were updated.
However, there were also problems during his rule. Some people accused his government of allowing corruption. Ghana also faced economic challenges. Food prices increased, and the cost of living went up.
Under pressure from the public, Acheampong suggested a "Union Government." This idea was for military and civilian leaders to share power. This led to student protests and universities being closed. There were also clashes between groups for and against this idea.
End of His Rule
In June 1979, there was another military uprising. This brought Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) to power.
Acheampong was put on trial by a military court. He was executed on June 16, 1979. General Edward Kwaku Utuka was also executed on the same day. Ten days later, other former leaders and senior military officers were also executed. The AFRC handed power back to a civilian government three months after the uprising.
Personal Life
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong was married to Faustina Acheampong. He had grandsons who became athletes. One grandson, Charlie Peprah, is an American football player. Another grandson, Yakini Acheampong, is a tall soccer player for Fulham F.C..
