The History of Ghana

Ghana is a country located on the western coast of Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. Its history stretches back to at least the first millennium when sub-Saharan Africans began to establish farms and develop advanced agricultural techniques. Throughout its history, a number of different kingdoms claimed the land as part of its nations. During the 16th century, a federation of cultures came together under the banner of the Ashanti Empire. Over the years, Ghana was subject to colonization from a number of nations and ultimately dictatorial leadership and military rule in its independence.

History

Before colonization, Ghana was the home of the Ashanti Empire, a branch of the Akan people. During the 17th century, the nation launched a campaign to consolidate much of the area surrounding modern-day Ghana. Under the leadership of Osei Tutu, political and military power was merged with religious influences.

One of the major factors in the success of the Ashanti Empire was the fact that all lands conquered by force were allowed to maintain its own government and customs. By the 1820s, the Empire had peaked in size and power and began trading with European merchants, as well as other African powers, such as the Fante and Ewe peoples.

Colonization

At the same time that the expansion of Ashanti power was being leveraged, Portuguese merchants built the Elmina Castle in the region. They were joined by the Dutch, who succeeded in capturing the castle in 1637. They consolidated their trading power throughout the rest of the 17th century and built more than 30 different forts along the coastline. The area was dubbed the "Gold Coast."

Soon, Ghana was also colonized by a number of British and Danish merchants. In 1750, the British African Company of Merchants was established in direct competition with the Dutch West India Company. Many of the other nations began to withdraw merchants and troops, leaving only the British and Dutch. This, too, changed in 1872, when the British bought out the remaining interests and forts of the Dutch.

Considerations

Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, slavery was a prominent source of income and a standard operating procedure. All along the West African coastline, a number of African tribes and civilizations had been practicing slavery for generations. However, under the trading actions of the Dutch and British, slavery was pushed to new levels. In dealings with the Ashanti Empire, the Europeans were able to accumulate tens of thousands of slaves through the nation's continued conflict with rival powers. As the empire conquered new lands, it would take prisoners and sell them to European traders. These slaves could be used in Ghana itself or were shipped abroad for sale in the New World.

British Gold Coast

After consolidating its power in the Gold Coast, the British moved to establish a more prevalent system of power. The government appointed colonial administrators to work with traditional chiefs in a form of indirect rule. These chiefs were given decorations and awarded knighthood to help keep them in line. This ultimately developed into a system of aristocracy.

In 1927, the Native Administration Ordinance established a system that awarded more power to the native population and defined the areas of jurisdiction. This was followed in 1935 by centralizing the government. The major shift in the native population occurred during World War II. A number of Ghanaians joined British forces abroad to fight in the war. This opened up the horizons for many and stimulated a nationalist movement at home.

The United Gold Coast Convention was established by educated Ghanaians in the late 1940s. In concert with British interest of removing its control over the colony, this push for independence was accelerated. By 1956, the legislative body in Ghana formally issued a request for independence from the British Commonwealth. The following year, this was granted.

Independence

The first major leader of Ghana was Kwame Nkrumah, who established the Convention People's Party during the push for independence. One of the overarching policy viewpoints of Nkrumah was the establishment of a united Africa. He felt that since Ghana was one of the first independent African nations, it should lead the continent in establishing a union. Under his leadership, a number of opposition groups rose, complaining about increased taxation and foreign military actions. This culminated in an assassination attempt in 1962 and a military coup in 1966.

The National Liberation Council was formed by the military. This council was comprised of four army officers and four police officers and took complete control of all executive authority. This period was marked by a revaluation of currency and nationalization of a number of businesses, including foreign industry. However, this ultimately led to a decline in capital flow and credit with foreign nations. It culminated in a fuel shortage in 1974.

In 1979, a second coup forced the previous military command from power. A group of junior military officers led by Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings took control of the government and established the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council. Public tribunals and a series of executions of former military commanders took place.

Eventually, public elections were held again in 1992. Rawlings was elected president, and a 200 seat Parliament was established. The Constitution of Ghana went into effect in 1993.

Resources

• Ghana Encyclopedia