Ghanaian constitutional referendum, 1960

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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.

There were 2,098,651 voters registered for the referendum.

[edit] Results

Choice Votes %
For 1,008,740 88.47%
Against 131,425 11.53%
Total 1,140,165 100%
Source: African Elections database

[edit] 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 Governor-General William Hare as head of state.

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).

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