Chiefs and the Law in Ghana

On 24th February, 1966, with the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah and his régime by the Armed Forces with the cooperation of the Police Service of Ghana, Ghana entered a new phase in her national development. By a Proclamation of 22nd February, 1966, the new military régime (the National Liberation Council [N.L.C.]) suspended the Constitution and its subsequent amendments, dissolved the National Assembly and banned the Convention People's Party, i.e., the former ruling party. It also confirmed the tenure of judicial and other public offices; and, until changes were made, the courts and existing laws were to continue in existence.2 The N.L.C. was declared to be the government of Ghana, pending the promulgation of a new Constitution and the formation of a new government under such Constitution,3 with full power to legislate by Decree.