Convention Peoples’ Party

political party, Ghana

Also known as: CPP

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June 24, 2026

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The Convention People's Party (CPP) was a significant political party in Ghana, founded by Kwame Nkrumah. After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the CPP became the sole political party, with Nkrumah serving as its life president. The party's ideology was rooted in African socialism, aiming for African liberation and unity under Nkrumah's leadership. However, by 1966, the CPP's administration was characterized by corruption, heavy foreign debt, and declining living standards, leading to a military coup that overthrew Nkrumah's regime.123

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Kwame Nkrumah
Early years
…in June 1949 the new Convention Peoples’ Party (CPP), a mass-based party that was committed to a program of immediate self-government. In January 1950, Nkrumah initiated a campaign of “positive action,” involving nonviolent protests, strikes, and noncooperation with the British colonial authorities.
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…in June 1949 the new Convention Peoples’ Party (CPP), a mass-based party that was committed to a program of immediate self-government. In January 1950, Nkrumah initiated a campaign of “positive action,” involving nonviolent protests, strikes, and noncooperation with the British colonial authorities.
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Ghana
Colonial period
Kwame Nkrumah, had established the Convention People’s Party (CPP), which, with wide popular support, campaigned with strikes and other actions under the slogan “Self-government now.” In 1951 the CPP won almost all the elective seats in the post-Coussey legislative assembly, whereupon Gov. Sir Charles Arden-Clarke invited Nkrumah to lead the…
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Kwame Nkrumah, had established the Convention People’s Party (CPP), which, with wide popular support, campaigned with strikes and other actions under the slogan “Self-government now.” In 1951 the CPP won almost all the elective seats in the post-Coussey legislative assembly, whereupon Gov. Sir Charles Arden-Clarke invited Nkrumah to lead the…
Read More