In Feb.948, police fired on ex-servicemen who were protesting the rise of cost of living. The shooting spurred riots in Accra, Kumasi and elsewhere.On suspecting that UGCC was behind this movement, Government arrested Nkrumah and other party leaders. Understandinh that it was a mistake , they released them. Nkrumah emerged as the leader of the youth movement in 1948.
He called for raising a "self Government now"and built a large power basewith Cocoa farmers, women,trade unions, and other organisations. In 1949, he organised a new political party of his own, namely The Convention of people's party. When british organised to form a new constitution with voters having sufficient wage and property, Nkrumah formed a "People's Assembly" with CPP members with universal franchise without property qualifications, a separate house of chiefs and self Governing status under the statute of westminister. These were known as the Constitutional Proposals of October, 1949, which was rejected by the colonil authorities,He then organised a "Positive Action " campaign in Jan. 1950, which included civil disobedience,non-cooperation, boycotts, strikes etc.Nkrumah and many CPP supporters were taken to prison.Under international protests the British wnted to leave the Gold Coast and and held an election under universal franchise on 5-10 Feb. 1951. Nkrumah's CPP won a land slide victory. Nkrumah was released and was elected prime minister on 10 March, 1952.
As a leader of the Government Nkrumah faced three challenges 1. to learn how to govern, 2. to unify the nation of Ghanafrom four territories of the Gold Coast,3. to win nation's complete independence.At 12 a.m. on March 1957, Nkrumah declared Ghana independent and he was held as "Osagyefo" meaning in Twi as "redeemer."
On 6 march, 1960 Nkrumah announced plans for a new constitution.
