Sandafayre Stamp Auctions | Stamp Atlas

Ghana

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED March 1957.

CURRENCY
Until 1957, British.
From 19 July 1965, 100 pesewas = 1 cedi.

Dominion of the British Commonwealth from 6 March 1957, became a republic on 1 July 1960. Since 1975, apart from a period of civilian rule in 1979-81 it has been ruled by an army council chaired by Flt-Lieut. Rawlings.

In 1974 there were 237 POs and 710 PAs.

The distribution of cancelled remainders to the stamp trade in 1961 has killed interest for serious collectors.

Although a multi-party constitution was approved in 1992, the periods of civil power and the return of military rule has alternated during the last decade. At the end of 1999, Flight Lieutenant (retired!) Rawlings remained president having been elected in 1992 and again in December 1996.

Gold Coast

FIRST STAMPS 1 July 1875.
Last issue overprinted GHANA on independence.

CURRENCY
British.

Settled by various European powers after its discovery in 1471 by the Portuguese, by 1821 the area had gradually become predominantly British, the last European settlements being bought in 1850 and 1871. Gold Coast came under Sierra Leone until it was made a British Crown Colony in 1874, and itself controlled Lagos from 1874- 86. Ashanti, subdued in 1874, was annexed in 1901 after further revolts; territories farther north (already protected in 1896 to frustrate French ambitions) were also administered. On becoming a Dominion on 6 March 1957, it changed its name to Ghana (see below).

Postal History
Letters are known from the 18th century. Postal arrangements were administered by Sierra Leone (and incoming letters routed via Freetown); hand-struck markings are known from 1855. Joined UPU January 1879.

Gold Coast & Togo 1920
Click map for larger view