Ghana's NLC leader General Ankrah denies foreign involvement in Nkrumah's overthrow
Footage has resurfaced showing Lieutenant General Joseph A Ankrah, leader of Ghana鈥檚 National Liberation Council NLC, denying claims of foreign involvement in the 1966 coup that overthrew President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. At a press conference, Gen Ankrah dismissed reports that the United States Central Intelligence Agency CIA or British intelligence played a role. He presented Daniel Amihyia, a former security chief for Dr Nkrumah, who had claimed in a British television interview to have masterminded the coup from London. Gen Ankrah stated Amihyia's appearance was to demonstrate that the NLC was not controlled by any foreign power, insisting the coup was planned by Ghanaians without external assistance. He also accused Amihyia of being a wanted criminal in Ghana and challenged him to explain his alleged role in the coup. The coup, which occurred on February 24, 1966, while Dr Nkrumah was abroad, was led by Colonel Emmanuel Kotoka, Major Akwasi Afrifa, Colonel Kwesi Ocran, and police chiefs John Harrley and Bawa Yakubu, all of whom became NLC members. The NLC governed Ghana until 1969. Later historical accounts and declassified records have linked the CIA station in Accra to activities surrounding Dr Nkrumah's overthrow, despite Gen Ankrah's public denials.
