Limann was born and named Babini but he was brought up by his uncle, Heli Limann. He assumed his name on entering primary school. 1975 (June): Returned to Ghana as Head, Europe, the Americans Southeast Asia Desk. When the ban on politics was lifted in 1979, the Nkrumaists grouped under the Peoples National Party (PNP). The most popular figure and the one most had tipped to lead them to elections was Alhaji Imoro Egala. Egala was however disqualified by SMC Two from running for political office. Egala nominated Limann to lead the Party.
Although seen by many as a novice in politics, Limann, perhaps, shocked many by beating the more “popular” Victor Owusu of the Popular Front Party (PFP) in the run-off the 1979 elections. Limann polled 62 per cent of the votes as against 38 per cent by Owusu. In the Parliamentary election the PNP won 71 seats against 42 by the PFP, 13 by the United National Convention, 10 by the Action Congress Party, three by the Social Democratic Front and one by an Independent candidate. 1979 (September 24): Sworn-in as President of Ghana’s Third Republic. One of Limann’s first acts was to replenish food stock, which had been depleted by the AFRC’s three-month rule.
His government also launched the Gold Endowment Fund as a means of getting investors to Ghana. 1981 (31 December): Overthrown by Flight-Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, leader of the AFRC who had handed over power to him about tow and-a-half years ago. Limann lived a private life and although he tried to re-enter politics in 1992 he failed in his bid to win the presidential elections of that year as the candidate of the People’s National Convention. His last effort in politics was to try and unite the fractured Nkrumaists front and was co-chairman of the Unity Talks aimed at bringing all Nkrumaists under one-fold