ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the establishment of the military sports club Super Stars ’74 in 1973 by General Acheampong’s junta, the National Redemption Council/Supreme Military Council (SMC I), as a vehicle to improve the domestic image of the Ghanaian military and enhance the legitimacy of the regime. It describes the history of SS’74, its close association with the SMC I, its patchy relationship with subsequent military regimes, and its eventual disbandment in 1982. The military and sports are closely related—physical fitness is demanded of soldiers and is considered the epitome of battle preparedness by militaries. The SMC I was aware of the importance of delivering quick results but also hoped to improve the poor image of the Ghanaian military. Scholars observe that in the immediate aftermath of coups in Ghana, military regimes enjoy huge public support as civil society groups, such as trade unions and student organizations, orchestrate demonstrations as tokens of support.
