[2] The college was founded by the first Ghanaian President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah using his own funds, for eight students who had been expelled by the British colonial administration from St Augustine's College.

The expulsion resulted from a protest march, held in solidarity with Nkrumah, who was then imprisoned.

[3][4] In 2014 the college created a Hall of Fame to honour alumni.

The first inductees were Francis Allotey, Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, Anthony Annan-Prah, David Taylor, Lee Tandoh-Ocran and Kobby A.

[5] The alumni of Ghana National College are normally called Nananom.