The coussey committee

The coussey committee was found by Sir Charles Noble Arden Clarkes, the first governor-general of
Gold Coast, to prepare Ghanaians to take over the government of Gold Coast from the British. The
committee was the chairman of the committee. The rest of the members were also Ghanaians,
including the Big Six. However, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was excluded. The committee was to study the
recommendations of the Watson commission and to draw up a new constitution to replace the Burns
Constitution of 1946.

Recommendations of the Coussey Committee

 The voting age was fixed at age 25

 More Africans were recommended to serve the executive council
 Gold Coast should be divided into four regions
 Gold Coast should practice Bicameral legislature

The bicameral legislature describes a government that has a two-house legislative system, such as
the House of Representatives and the Senate that make up the U.S congress. A bicameral parliament
is one that contains two separate assemblies who must both agree when new laws are made.

Assignment

 What is unicameral legislature?

 Why was Dr. Kwame Nkrumah excluded from the coussey committee?
 What was the motive behind the formation of the coussey committee?