Ignatius Kutu Acheampong

Born:

23 September 1931, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana

Died:

16 June 1979, Accra, Ghana (executed)

Nationality:

Ghanaian

Profession(s):

Military Officer, Head of State

Early Life and Education

• Educated at the Roman Catholic School in Trabuom and the Central College of Commerce in Swedru.
• Entered the Ghana Army in 1951.
• Received further military training in the United Kingdom.

Career and Major Achievements

• Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade based in Tamale.
• Led a military coup d'état on 13 January 1972, overthrowing the government of Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia.
• Became Head of State and Chairman of the National Redemption Council (NRC), later the Supreme Military Council (SMC).
• Instituted the "Operation Feed Yourself" agricultural policy to promote self-sufficiency in food production.
• Initiated the "Union Government" (UNIGOV) concept, proposing a system of government without political parties.
• Ousted in a palace coup on 5 July 1978 by General Fred Akuffo.

Legacy and Impact

Ignatius Kutu Acheampong's regime remains a controversial period in Ghana's history. While remembered for initiatives like "Operation Feed Yourself" and infrastructure projects, his government was also plagued by economic mismanagement and allegations of corruption. The following information provides context for the biography of Kutu Acheampong Ebenezer, a figure central to Ghanaian politics in the 1970s, though the information here refers to Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, and Ebenezer is often seen as a middle name, the focus of biographical resources is often on Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.

Notable Works

• Implementation of "Operation Feed Yourself" (Agricultural Policy)
• Infrastructure Development: Construction of stadia (e.g., Kumasi Sports Stadium)
• Promotion of local industries through import substitution policies.

Execution

• Executed by firing squad on 16 June 1979, following a coup led by Jerry Rawlings.

Related links