Final answer:
The military coup in Ghana was primarily fueled by accusations of corruption and political repression, a tainted legacy of colonial rule, economic challenges, and the influence of globalization. The military presumed itself as a corrective force in a cycle reflecting deep systemic governance issues in the post-independence era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Contributing to Military Coups in Ghana
Several factors contributed to the military coup in Ghana. One of the primary factors was the accusation of corruption and political repression under Kwame Nkrumah's government. The legacy of colonialism also played a role, where British colonialism had tainted the institution of African chieftaincy, and postcolonial pressures undermined the presidency. Nkrumah himself was seen as autocratic, and there were economic struggles and public discontent under his leadership. Additionally, the increasing waves of globalization may have influenced the coups because global trade, technologies, and ideas were rapidly changing the economic and political landscapes.
The military justified its actions by claiming to remove the corruption that plagued the government, a pattern that continued with subsequent coups. Postcolonial states like Ghana faced enormous challenges, and the military perceived itself as a corrective force. Maxwell Owusu indicates how postcolonial politics were shaped by the actions of the asafo groups and their responses to allegations of corruption against their leadership, mirroring the actions of the military.
The historical context of militarism in Ghana can also be traced back to the powerful chiefdoms such as Asante, which had established its dominance through military might. This militaristic legacy possibly influenced the Ghanaian military's disposition to take power through coups. Ultimately, the cycle of coups reflected systemic issues of governance that post-independence Ghana had to wrestle with.