Armed Forces Revolutionary Council, Ghana

The Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) was the government of Ghana from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979. It came to power in a bloody coup that removed the Supreme Military Council, another military regime, from power. The June 4 coup was preceded by an abortive attempt on May 15 1979 when Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings and other ranks were arrested. Their trial only served to make them popular till they were eventually released on the morning of June 4 by young officers and noncommissioned officers inspired by Rawlings.

The regime started a 'House cleaning' exercise against corruption. Three former military leaders of Ghana, Lt. Gen. Afrifa, Gen. Acheampong and Lt. Gen. Akuffo were all executed together with five other senior officers [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6387321.stm |title=The reality of Ghana's independence |accessdate=2007-03-20 |date=2007-03-01 |author=Kwaku Sakyi-Addo |work=Part Two of Ghana, Winds Of Change was broadcast on BBC World Service on Monday 5 March at 0930 GMT.
publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation] deemed to have been corrupt by the special courts set up by the government. [cite web |url=http://www.judicial.gov.gh/history/after_indp/page_2.htm |title= Historical Development of the Courts after Independence |accessdate=2007-03-20 |work=Official Website |publisher= Judicial Service of Ghana]

The AFRC allowed already scheduled elections to go ahead and handed over to the duly elected Dr. Hilla Limann of the People's National Party who became the first and only president of the Third Republic of Ghana.

Members

The AFRC consisted of 15 members.cite web| url=http://www.ghana.gov.gh/NRC/Vol%204%20Chpt%201%20com.sec.rep.pdf |title=The Security Services |accessdate=2007-05-06 |date=October 2004 |format=pdf |pages=page 46 |work=Report of the National Reconciliation Commission |publisher=Ghana government]
*Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings - Chairman
*Captain Kojo Boakye Gyan - Official Spokesman
*Major Mensah-Poku
*Major Mensah Gbedemah
*Lieutenant Commander HC Apaloo
*Captain Kwabena Baah Achamfuor
*Warrant Officer (II) Harry K. Obeng
*Staff Sargent Alex Adjei
*Corporal Owusu Boateng
*Leading Aircraftman John N. Gatsiko
*Lance Corporal Peter Tasiri
*Lance Corporal Ansah Atiemo
*Lance Corporal Sarkodee-Addo
*Corporal Sheikh Tetteh
*Private Owusu Adu

Lieutenant Commander HC Apaloo died in a road traffic accident before the end of AFRC rule.

List of commissioners (ministers) of state

References