The coup d'état orchestrated by the National Liberation Council marked a significant turning point in Ghana's political landscape. Kwame Nkrumah, who had been a central figure in Ghana's push for independence from colonial rule, faced growing opposition due to economic difficulties and perceived authoritarian governance. His regime had adopted a one-party state, and dissent was increasingly quelled through repressive measures. While attending a conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Nkrumah's absence provided an opportunity for the conspirators to act, leading to a well-coordinated coup that was executed without significant bloodshed. The NLC, comprising military officers and active civilian members of society, seized control of key installations in Accra, paving the way for the dissolution of Nkrumah's government.

The aftermath of the coup resulted in the establishment of a provisional government, which quickly moved to deregulate the economy and introduce political reforms. One of the immediate actions taken by the NLC was to promote civil liberties and re-establish a multi-party political system, which Nkrumah's government had suppressed. Following the coup, many of Nkrumah's policies, especially those oriented towards socialist development, were reversed, signaling a shift towards more market-oriented economics. This change had long-term implications for Ghana's political and economic environment, impacting its trajectory towards democracy and development throughout the subsequent decades.