single country.

Ghana is the first country in black sub-Saharan Africa to shake off colonial rule, inspiring liberation struggles around the continent. Kwame Nkrumah becomes prime minister.

1964 – Nkrumah represses political opposition; Ghana becomes a one-party state, with Nkrumah as president for life.

1960s – Nkrumah promotes the concept of Pan-Africanism, which merges the teachings of Jamaican politician Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa” movement, the US’s Martin Luther King and Ghana’s WEB Du Bois, and plays a key role in founding of the Non-Aligned Movement,

1966 – Army overthrows Nkrumah and establishes military rule. A series of alternating military and civilian governments, affected by economic instabilities rule Ghana from 1966 to 1981.

1981 – Flt Lt Jerry Rawlings takes power. In the mid-80s he oversees economic and gradual political reforms.

1992 – New constitution, multi-party politics is restored.

1994-95 – Interethnic fighting in northern Ghana sees 1,000-2,000 people killed

2007 – Major off-shore oil discovery announced.

2010 – Offshore oil production starts.

2017 – Ghana and Ivory Coast set up a commission to implement an international ruling on a maritime border dispute involving oilfields.

Toppled statue of Kwame Nkrumah