Data code: GH
Type of government: constitutional democracy
Capital: Accra
Administrative divisions: 10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo,
Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West,
Volta, Western
Independence: 6 March 1957 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 6 March (1957)
Constitution: new constitution approved 28 April 1992
Legal system: based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Jerry John RAWLINGS
(since 3 November 1992); elected for a four-year term by direct
universal suffrage; the president can appoint a vice president;
election last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA December 1996)
cabinet: Cabinet; president nominates members subject to approval by
the Parliament