List of MLAs elected in the 1956 Gold Coast general election

Colonial Era
1951 Assembly (election)
1954 Assembly (election)
1956 Assembly (election)
First Republic
1957 Parliament (election)
1965 Parliament (election)
Second Republic
1969 Parliament (election)
Third Republic
1979 Parliament (election)
Fourth Republic
1st Parliament (1992)
2nd Parliament (1996)
3rd Parliament (2000)
4th Parliament (2004)
5th Parliament (2008)
6th Parliament (2012)
7th Parliament (2016)
8th Parliament (2020)
9th Parliament (2024)

This is a list of people elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Gold Coast on 17 July 1956. The membership was maintained at 104.

Composition

Affiliation Members
Convention People's Party (CPP) 71
Northern People's Party (NPP) 15
National Liberation Movement (NLM) 12
Togoland Congress (TC) 2
Independents 2
Federation of Youth Organizations (FYO) 1
Muslim Association Party (MAP) 1
 Total 104
 Government Majority 38

List of MPs elected in the general election

General elections were held on to elect a parliament prior to the Gold Coast being granted independence from colonial rule by the United Kingdom. The new assembly was opened on 31 July 1956. A few days later, on 3 August 1956, a motion was passed by the new assembly authorising the government to request the government of the United Kingdom to enact an act of parliament to provide for the establishment of the Gold Coast as an independent sovereign nation with the name Ghana.[1] This parliament would continue after the country becomes independent as the first parliament in the Republic

Ashanti Region - 20 seats

Constituency Elected MP Elected Party Comment Previous MP Previous Party
Adansi Banka John Young Ghann[2][3] CPP John Young Ghann[4] CPP
Agona Kwabre Victor Owusu[5] NLM Victor Owusu was replaced by Martin Kyerematen in 1961 after he was detained for allegedly plotting a coup to overthrow the then Nkrumah government[6] J. E. Jantuah[7]
Ahafo A. W. Osei NLM
Amansie East J. D. Wireko NLM
Amansie West Robert Benjamin Otchere[8] NLM
Ashanti-Akim Charles de Graft Dickson[9] CPP
Atebubu William Ntoso NLM
Atwima-Amansie Joe Appiah[10] NLM Arrested in 1961 Isaac Joseph Adomako-Mensah CPP
Atwima Nwabiagya Benjamin Freeman Kusi[11][12] NLM
Berekum J. G. Awuah[13] CPP Died in office in 1957 and replaced by Isaac William Benneh[14]
Kumasi North Cobina Kessie[15] MAP Appointed ambassador to Liberia 1958 Archie Casely-Hayford CPP
Kumasi South E. K. K. Taylor CPP By-election 1959 Edward Asafu-Adjaye CPP
Obuasi R. O. Amoako-Atta CPP R. O. Amoako-Atta CPP
Offinso Kwabre J. A. Owusu-Ansah NLM
Sekyere East Krobo Edusei CPP Krobo Edusei CPP
Sekyere West R. R. Amponsah NLM R. R. Amponsah was replaced by Solomon Antwi Kwaku Bonsu in 1959 when he was detained under the PDA act.
Sunyani East Boahene Yeboah-Afari[16] CPP Arrested in 1962, replaced by Kyere Awua Gyan. Boahene Yeboah-Afari CPP
Sunyani West Stephen Willie Yeboah[16] CPP Stephen Willie Yeboah CPP
Wenchi East C. S. Takyi CPP 3,754 votes Kofi Abrefa Busia GCP
Wenchi West Kofi Abrefa Busia[17] NLM

Eastern Region - 23 seats

Constituency Elected MP Elected Party Majority Previous MP Previous Party
Abetifi Eugene Atta Agyepong NPP 3,046 Eugene Atta Agyepong NPP
Accra Central (Ashiedu Keteke) Kwame Nkrumah CPP Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was replaced by Henry Sonnie Torgbor Provencal in a by-election on 30 August 1960. Kwame Nkrumah CPP
Accra East Ebenezer Ako-Adjei CPP Ebenezer Ako-Adjei CPP
Accra West Robert Mensah Abbey CPP Thomas Hutton-Mills CPP
Ada Andrews Kwabla Puplampu[18] CPP Charles Ofoe Cludeto Amattey[19] CPP
Akim Abuakwa Central Aaron Ofori-Atta CPP Aaron Ofori-Atta CPP
Akim Abuakwa East Kwaku Amoa-Awuah[20] CPP Kwaku Amoa-Awuah CPP
Akim Abuakwa North C. E. Nimo CPP
Akim Abuakwa South Kwasi Sintim Aboagye CPP Kwasi Sintim Aboagye CPP
Akim Abuakwa West Michael Reynolds Darku-Sarkwa[9] CPP Died 1964[21] S. A. Owusu-Afari CPP
Akwapim North J. R. Asiedu CPP Was appointed Speaker of parliament in 1960 and was replaced by Kwasi Asante Sakyi
Akwapim South K. Asiam CPP K. Asiam CPP
Dangbe-Shai Edward Ago-Ackam CPP C. T. Nylander CPP
Ga Rural C. T. Nylander[22] CPP By-election in 1963[23] Mabel Dove Danquah
(First female MP)		 CPP
Juaben-Edweso Issac Boaten Asafu-Adjaye[24] NLM
Kwahu North Erasmus Isaac Preko CPP Erasmus Isaac Preko Independent
Kwahu South W. A. Wiafe CPP
Manya Krobo A. Mate Johnson CPP
New Juaben M. O. Kwatia CPP
North Birim Albert Kwame Onwona Agyeman[25] CPP
Osudoku Edmund Nee Ocansey CPP Alex Kwablah[26] Independent
South Birim Archie Casely-Hayford CPP
Western Gomoa Kojo Botsio CPP Kojo Botsio CPP

Northern Region - 26 seats

Constituency Elected MP Elected Party Majority Previous MP Previous Party
Bawku Baba Ayagiba CPP Amadu Amandi Independent
Bolga F. R. A. Adongo NPP R. B. Braimah NPP
Bongo W. A. Amoro[20] CPP W. A. Amoro CPP
Builsa A. Afoko[11][25] CPP A. Afoko CPP
Dagomba East J. H. Allassani CPP J. H. Allassani CPP
Dagomba North S. I. Iddrisu CPP S. I. Iddrisu CPP
Dagomba South Yakubu Tali (Tolon-Na) NPP Yakubu Tali (Tolon Naa) NPP
Frafra East Tubrow Kapeon Yentu[16] NPP Tubrow Kapeon Yentu NPP
Gonja East J. A. Braimah NPP J. A. Braimah Independent
Gonja West Emmanuel Adama Mahama CPP Emmanuel Adama Mahama CPP
Gulkpegu-Nanton R. S. Iddrisu CPP A. Osumanu NPP
Jirapa-Lambussie Simon Diedong Dombo[9] NPP Chief Simon Diedong Dombo
(leader of NPP)		 NPP
Kassena-Nankanni North C.K. Tedam NPP C.K. Tedam CPP
Kassena-Nankani South Lawrence Rosario Abavana CPP Lawrence Rosario Abavana CPP
Kusasi Central J. Awuni[27] NPP J. Awuni NPP
Kusasi East Idana Asigri NPP I. Asigri NPP
Kusasi West Ayeebo Asumda CPP Ayeebo Asumda CPP
Lawra-Nandom Abayifaa Karbo[28][29] NPP Abayifaa Karbo NPP
Nanum-Dagbon Nantogma. Atta CPP Nantogma. Atta CPP
Savelugu Salifu Yakubu NPP Moved from NPP to join CPP in 1958. S. Bukari Independent
South Mamprusi East Mumuni Bawumia[30][14] NPP Mumuni Bawumia NPP
South Mamprusi West Mahama Tampurie NPP J. K. Yakubu CPP
Talensi D. D. Balagumyetime[14] CPP A. T. Anaffu Independent
Tumu Mummuni E. K. Dimbie NPP Imoru Egala
Wala North Jatoe Kaleo[28] NPP Jatoe Kaleo NPP
Wala South Bukari Kpegla Adama NPP Bukari Kpegla Adama NPP

Volta Region - 14 seats

Constituency Elected MP Elected Party Majority Previous MP Previous Party
Akan Krachi Joseph Kodzo[28] CPP
Anlo East Charles Henry Chapman CPP
Anlo North Nelson Maglo[31] CPP
Anlo South Modesto K. Apaloo[31] FYO Modesto K. Apaloo
(Leader of AYO)		 AYO
Buem Francis Yao Asare[22] CPP Francis Yao Asare CPP
Central Tongu Ferdinand Koblavi Dra Goka[2] CPP
Ho East Rev. Francis Richard Ametowobla[20] Independent Sought political asylum 1960 and was replaced Rev. Francis Richard Ametowobla Independent
Ho West Kodzo Ayeke TC
Keta Komla Agbeli Gbedemah[2][31] CPP Resigned in 1961, was replaced by Christian Kobla Dovlo. Komla Agbeli Gbedemah CPP
Kpandu North S. G. Antor TC S. G. Antor
(Leader of TC)		 TC
Kpandu South G. R. Ahia CPP
Mid-Volta John Arjarquah CPP
South Tongu Benjamin Alphonsus Konu[12] CPP W. M. N. Djietror CPP
Upper Tongu Stephen Allen Dzirasa[9] CPP Stephen Allen Dzirasa CPP

Western Region - 22 seats

Constituency Elected MP Elected Party Majority Previous MP Previous Party
Abura Asebu Joseph Essilfie Hagan[2] CPP
Agona W. A. C. Essibrah CPP
Agona Swedru E. K. Bensah[22] CPP
Ahanta-Shama Ashford Emmanuel Inkumsah CPP Ashford Emmanuel Inkumsah CPP
Ajumako-Asikuma Anthony Seibu Alec Abban CPP Anthony Seibu Alec Abban CPP
Amenfi-Aowin P. K. K. Quaidoo[28] CPP P. K. K. Quaidoo was detained in 1962 and was replaced by James Kwame Twum. P. K. K. Quaidoo CPP
Assin Daniel Buadi CPP Daniel Buadi CPP
Awutu Alfred Jonas Dowuona-Hammond[9] CPP Alfred Jonas Dowuona-Hammond CPP
Bibiani James Kodjoe Essien[2] CPP James Kodjoe Essien CPP
Cape Coast Nathaniel Azarco Welbeck CPP Nathaniel Azarco Welbeck CPP
Denkyira F.E. Techie-Menson CPP F.E. Techie-Menson[17] CPP
Eastern Gomoa C. C. K. Baah[32] CPP C. C. K. Baah CPP
Eastern Nzima-Axim W. Baidoe-Ansah[28] CPP W. Baidoe-Ansah
Ekumfi-Enyan S. K. Otoo CPP Replaced in 1958 S. K. Otoo CPP
Elmina K. O. Thompson CPP
Saltpond Kofi Baako[14]
(Chief Whip)		 CPP Kofi Baako CPP
Sefwi Wiawso William Kwabena Aduhene CPP
Sekondi-Takoradi John Arthur[24] CPP John Arthur CPP
Wassaw Central Samuel Emanful Arkah CPP Samuel Emanful Arkah CPP
Wassaw South Emmanuel Kwamena Dadson[9][22] CPP
Western Nzima John Bogolo Erzuah CPP Was appointed ambassador in 1957 and replaced by John Benibengor Blay.[14]
Yilo Krobo Emmanuel Humphrey Tettey Korboe[12] CPP

Changes

  • Kusasi Central constituency - In August 1957 Awuni joined the CPP and represented the constituency as a member of the CPP until 1965.[27]
  • Ekumfi-Enyan constituency - 1958 - S. K. Otoo was replaced by Kwaku Boateng in 1958 to represent the constituency in parliament.[30]
  • Ho East constituency - March 1960 - The Ho East constituency was declared vacant in March 1960 when Rev. Ametowobla sought political asylum in Togo. The seat was subsequently occupied by Emmanuel Yaw Attigah of the CPP. Attigah remained MP for the constituency from 1960 to 1965.[33]
  • Atwima Amansie - 1961 - Joe Appiah was arrested in 1961 and was replaced by Isaac Joseph Adomako-Mensah who had been the legislative member for the Atwima-Amansie electoral area from 1954 to 1956.[10]
  • Eastern Nzima-Axim John Alicoe Kinnah of the CPP was the MP for this constituency by 1961.[28]
  • Anlo South In February 1962, Daniel Apedoh, who was elected to replace Modesto Apaloo following his detention was himself among a number of opposition members of parliament arrested leaving only 6 opposition MPs in the 114 seat parliament.[34]

By-elections

See also

References

  1. ^ "British Empire; The end of the British empire - Ghana". NationalArchives.gov.uk. UK Government. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Ghana Year Book". Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation: 15. 1961. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  3. ^ Lomotey, R. A. (11 May 1957). "Ashanti Regional Interim Assembly: Judge: I Can't Stop Today's Meeting". Daily Graphic. No. 2063. Graphic Corporation. p. 1. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  4. ^ "Debates, Issue 2". Gold Coast Legislative Assembly. 1954: 1. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. ^ Asamoah, Obed Yao (20 October 2014). The Political History of Ghana (1950-2013):The Experience of a Non-Conformist. AuthorHouseUK. p. 51. ISBN 978-1496985620. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  6. ^ Asamoah, Obed (2014). The Political History of Ghana (1950-2013): The Experience of a Non-Conformist. p. 52. ISBN 9781496985637.
  7. ^ "Debates, Issue 2". Gold Coast Legislative Assembly. 1954: 1. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. ^ "Treason Defendants Given Delay To Seek Counsel". Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts (195–196). United States Central Intelligence Agency: I9. 6 October 1964. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Ghana Year Book. Accra: Graphic Corporation. 1960. p. 11. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  10. ^ a b Nelson, Ekow. "Mr. R.R Amponsah was no innocent abroad". ModernGhana.com. Modern Ghana. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  11. ^ a b Jubilee Ghana - A 50-year news journey thro' Graphic. Accra: Graphic Communications Group Ltd. 2006. p. 18. ISBN 9988809786.
  12. ^ a b c d "Ghana Year Book". Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation: 17. 1961. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  13. ^ a b "Steel boxes for Berekum by-election". Daily Graphic. Graphic Communications Group Ltd. 22 April 1957.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Index - B". Parliamentary Debates - National Assembly Official Report - Part 1. Accra: Government Printing Department (Publications Branch). 26 January 1965. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  15. ^ "Debates, Part 1". Debates. Gold Coast Legislative Assembly. 1956.
  16. ^ a b c Parliamentary Debates; Official Report, Part 1. Accra: Ghana National Assembly. 1960. p. iv. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  17. ^ a b Dokosi, Michael. "The electoral victories and shock losses of the 1954 Gold Coast election". BlakkPepper.com. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  18. ^ "West Africa Annual, Issue 8". James Clarke. 1965: 79. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  19. ^ "Debates, Part 1". Gold Coast Legislative Assembly. 1956: 11 and 75. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  20. ^ a b c d Ghana Year Book. Accra: Graphic Corporation. 1960. p. 9. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  21. ^ a b "Ghana Year Book 1964". Ghana Year Book. Daily Graphic: 28. 1964.
  22. ^ a b c d Jubilee Ghana - A 50-year news journey thro' Graphic. Accra: Graphic Communications Group Ltd. 2006. p. 14. ISBN 9988809786.
  23. ^ a b Ghana Gazette. Accra: Ghana Government. 1963. p. 117. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  24. ^ a b c "Ghana Year Book". Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation: 13. 1961. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  25. ^ a b c Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation. 1961. p. 13. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  26. ^ "Debates". Gold Coast Legislative Assembly. 1956. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  27. ^ a b Danquah, Moses (1958). Ghana One Year Old: A First Independence Anniversary Review. Publicity Promotions. p. 11.
  28. ^ a b c d e f Parliamentary Debates; Official Report, Part 1. Accra: Ghana National Assembly (now Parliament of Ghana). 1961. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  29. ^ "State Burial for Naa Abeifaa Karbo". Modern Ghana. 18 January 2005. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  30. ^ a b c "Ghana Year Book". Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation: 15. 1961. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  31. ^ a b c Frazier, Joe (14 November 2015). "Job 600 and Members of Parliament". Graphic Online. Graphic Communications Group Ltd. Retrieved 24 February 2020. Messrs. K.A Gbedema and Nelson Maglo were the first MPs I saw and listened to. The two gentlemen were CPP Members of Parliament for Keta and Avenor respectively.
  32. ^ "West Africa, Issues 2431-2456". West Africa Issues. West Africa Publishing Company, Limited: 440. 1964.
  33. ^ "Second Report from P.A.C." Parliamentary Debates - National Assembly Official Report - Part 1. Accra: Government Printing Department (Publications Branch): 335. 26 January 1965. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  34. ^ "Ghana Arrests 80, Accra Hears" (ebook). Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 87th Congress. 108 (2nd edition). United States Congress: 559. 1 January 1962. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  35. ^ "Ghana Year Book 1961". Ghana Year Book. Graphic Corporation: 13. 1961.
  36. ^ "West African Review, Volume 31". West African Review. West African Graphics Company: 45. 1960.
  37. ^ a b Donkor, Salome (18 September 2009). "How Nkrumah Empowered Ghanaian Women". modernghana.com. Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  38. ^ "West Africa". West Africa Issues (2431–2456). West Africa Publishing Company, Limited: 440. 1964.
  39. ^ Sowah Commission (1968). Report of the Sowah Commission: Appointed Under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1964 (Act 250) and N.L.C. Investigation and Forfeiture of Assets Decree, 1966 N.L.C.D. 72 to Enquire Into the Assets of Specified Persons (Volume 1 ed.). State Publishing Corporation (Printing Division). p. 62. Retrieved 8 March 2020.