Ghana was initially known as the Gold Coast and changed to Ghana after independence. So far the country has had a total of 11 presidents, and the current incumbent is Nana Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo previously served as Attorney General from 2001 to 2003, and as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2007.
The first head of state (President) is Dr Kwame Nkrumah who struggled for the attainment of Independence which freed Ghanaians from colonial rule from the British.
Nkrumah made a significant statement to Ghanaians on the day of Independence declaration which stated :
''From now on, today, we must change our attitudes and our minds. We must realise that from now on we are no longer a colonial but free and independent people. But also, as I pointed out, that also entails hard work. That new Africa is ready to fight his own battles and show that after all the black man is capable of managing his own affairs''.
''We have won the battle and again rededicate ourselves … OUR INDEPENDENCE IS MEANINGLESS UNLESS IT IS LINKED UP WITH THE TOTAL LIBERATION OF AFRICA''.
Ghana has indeed enjoyed Independence and freedom since the time till the tenure of the incumbent, President Akufo-Addo.
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Below are the list of heads of state since Independence
1. Kwame Nkrumah 1960-1966
2. Major-General Joseph Arthur Ankrah 1966-1969
3. General Akwasi Amankwa Afrifa 1969-1970
4. Edward Akufo-Addo 1970-1972
5. Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong 1972-1978
6. Lieutenant-General Frederick Fred William Kwasi Akuffo 1978-1979
7. Hilla Limann 1979-1981
8. Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings 1981-2001
9. John Agyekum Kufuor 2001-2009
10. John Evans Atta Mills 2009-2012
11. John Dramani Mahama 2012-2016
12. Nana Akufo-Addo 2017- present