1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum

1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum

27 April 1960

Results
Choice
Votes %
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%

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

ChoiceVotes%
For1,008,74088.47
Against131,42511.53
Total1,140,165100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,098,651
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).

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