Ghana was the first African country colonised by European powers to achieve independence under majority rule.

It remained "within the crown's dominions" until 1 July 1960, when it became the Republic of Ghana and the Queen ceased to be head of state.

[4] During the period from 1957 to 1960, Kwame Nkrumah held office as prime minister (and head of government).

The following governors-general held office: Following the creation of a republic by the 1960 Ghanaian constitutional referendum, Nkrumah won the presidential election and became the first President of Ghana.

Ghana never held the legal status of "Dominion" within the British Empire, a status given to self-governing colonies (given legislative independence by the Statute of Westminster 1931), including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa; as well as India and Pakistan from 15 August 1947, one month after their independence, and Ceylon for a few months of 1948.