The Supreme Military Council (SMC) was the ruling government of Ghana from October 9, 1975 to June 4, 1979. Its chairman was Colonel I.K. Acheampong. He was also the Head of state of Ghana due to his chairmanship. He abruptly dissolved the National Redemption Council (NRC) which had been in power since January 13, 1972 and effectively brought the Armed Forces heads into the government through the SMC. The SMC thus became the highest administrative and legislative body of the country. The council consisted of the Head of state and all service commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces. The head of the police was also included. General Acheampong was overthrown in a palace coup by General F.W. K. Akuffo on July 5, 1978. The SMC II was overthrown by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council on June 4, 1979. This was a bloody coup during which one of the SMC members, the Army Commander Major General Odartey-Wellington was killed. The June 4 coup was preceded by an abortive attempt on May 15, 1979 when Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings and other ranks were arrested. General Acheampong was executed by firing squad at the Teshie Military Range on June 16, 1979.
October 9 1975, Supreme Military Council is formed