Ghana gained independence from Great Britain in March 1957 ; formerly named Gold Coast . Nation 's first few decades were witness to internal political upheaval . Now the country is held up as a successful example of democracy in Africa . Although a general election was successfully held in 1969 , Ghana was soon to enter a new period of political uncertainty and economic stagnation that lasted for more than a decade . Comment:
Ghana gained independence from Great Britain in March 1957 ; formerly named Gold Coast . Nation 's first few decades were witness to internal political upheaval . Now the country is held up as a successful example of democracy in Africa . Comment: