National Redemption Council

The National Redemption Council (NRC) was a Ghanaian government agency established by military officers in January 1972, led by Col. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. This council dissolved the national assembly, banned political parties, and imprisoned politicians. Under the NRC, a Subversion Decree was enacted, empowering military courts to impose the death penalty for various offenses, including subversive political activity and damaging public property. The military regime struggled with economic stability, leading to a decline in Ghana's gross domestic product, export earnings, and living standards. In 1975, civilians were added to the NRC, but ultimate power resided with the Supreme Military Council (SMC). The SMC's proposed "Union Government" was unpopular, and Acheampong was replaced by Lieut. Gen. Frederick W.K. Akuffo. In 1979, the government of generals was overthrown by younger officers led by Jerry Rawlings, who later established a Provisional National Defense Council.12