January 13th

On this day - 13th January 1972 - Ignatius Kutu Acheampong's military coup in Ghana

Ignatius Kutu Acheampong took over as the head of state in Ghana after a bloodless coup in Ghana in 1972. He overthrew the democratically elected government in Ghana at the time. During his rule implemented Acheampong the metric system of measurement, he implemented right side driving and a program aimed at achieving self-sustainability in agriculture for Ghana. Corruption was also a common policy during his rule. He held the position as head of state until July 1978 when he deposed in a palace coup by his former Chief of Defense staff. In July 1979 was Acheampong executed by firing squad.

Former head of state in Ghana, Akufo-Addo, who Acheampong overthrew in 1972