1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum

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.

1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum

27 April 1960
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,008,740 88.47% No 131,425 11.53%

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).