Hilla Limann, born on 12 December 1934 in Gwollu in Ghana’s Upper West Region, was a Ghanaian diplomat and politician who served as the eighth President of Ghana from 1979 to 1981. 

Originally bearing the surname Babini, Limann began his education at Government Middle School in Tamale and later studied political science at the London School of Economics from 1957 to 1960. 

He also earned a diploma in French from the Sorbonne, a BA (Hons) in history from the University of London, and a PhD in political science and constitutional law from the University of Paris.

Limann’s diplomatic career included roles such as head of the Europe Desk at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, head of chancery at the Ghana embassy in Lomé, and counsellor at Ghana’s Permanent Mission in Geneva. He was also a member of the Constitution Commission that drafted the 1969 Constitution.

In 1979, after a coup led by Jerry Rawlings, Limann became the presidential candidate of the People’s National Party and won 62 percent of the vote in the second round. 

He took office on 24 September 1979, advocating democratic governance, economic moderation, and Pan-Africanism. However, he was overthrown in another Rawlings-led coup on 31 December 1981. 

He returned to politics in 1992, contesting as the candidate of the People’s National Convention and placing third with 6.7 percent of the vote. He remained active in Nkrumahist political circles until his death.

Despite repeated reports from military intelligence regarding destabilizing efforts by former AFRC members, Limann refused to arrest them, citing the lack of legal basis under a democratic regime. This decision is believed to have contributed to his removal from office and the difficulties he endured thereafter.

Hilla Limann died on 23 January 1998 after a period of ill health. He was survived by his wife Fulera Limann and their seven children. His burial took place at midnight on 1 March 1998 in Gwollu, attended by a government delegation led by then Defence Minister Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu.

To honour his legacy, the Hilla Limann Foundation was launched in September 2019 on the 40th anniversary of his presidency. The foundation focuses on promoting human rights, supporting the underprivileged, and advocating for democratic principles through education. 

In 1981, Limann was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of the Yugoslav Great Star.