A Brief History of The Republic of Ghana

The Republic of Ghana is named after the medieval West African Ghana Empire.

The Empire became known in Europe and Arabia as the Ghana Empire after the title of its Emperor, “the Ghana” which means “The Warrior King”.

The Empire appears to have broken up following the 1076 conquest by the Almoravid General Abu-Bakr Ibn-Umar.

According to oral traditions, the ancestors of the Akan people, today the largest ethnic group, entered the country from the north and spread southwards between CE 1200 and 1600.

The Fanti State of Denkyira was at that period already established on the coast.

By 1400 the Akan had established their Bono and Buida kingdoms in the forested central region.

Their highly developed culture was centred on the city-state, surrounded by vassal villages, and rule by a court where the queen mother was often a more powerful figure than the king who, being sacred, was hidden from the people and consequently often politically isolated.

The Akan traded gold and kola nuts for salt and cloth, in the west and north, and were also involved in the slave trade.

In the 15th century, the Ashanti people waged war against the Denkyira Kingdom and by 1700 had gained control of the slave trade.

They developed a powerful army and a centralised state, ruled by the Asantehene (king of the Ashanti nation).

Portuguese traders, arriving after 1450 in search of gold and ivory, named the country Gold Coast; appropriately since, by the end of the 16th century, it produced ten per cent of the world’s gold.

From the middle of the 16th century other Europeans began arriving; in the mid-18th century there were Dutch, Danish and British settlements.

The British became involved in internal conflicts when they backed the Fanti against the Ashanti who were extending their power into the coastal areas. There were four wars in the 19th century.

The Bond of 1844, entered into by Britain and the Fanti chiefs, endorsed British control of small pockets of settlement; six years later Britain set up a legislative council to govern these areas.

The British took over abandoned Danish settlements in 1850 and the Dutch settlements in 1871.

By Orders in Council (1901) Britain declared the southern territory a colony by settlement, the northern territory a protectorate and Ashanti a colony by conquest.

In 1922 a part of the adjoining German territory of Togoland was placed under British administration by a League of Nations Mandate and after World War II it became a UN Trust Territory.

The principle of elections was introduced under the 1925 constitution.

During the first half of the 20th century, there was growing national pressure for self-determination, and the UK gradually surrendered control.

The 1946 constitution required the legislative council to have an African majority.

Following civic disturbances in 1948, the UK agreed that a committee consisting entirely of Africans should examine the structure of the country’s government.

In the 1940s, African merchants, such as George Alfred Grant (“Paa Grant”), were ready to finance the organization of a political movement to assure their commercial interests in the face of unfair colonial practices.

The party was founded by J. B. Danquah on 4 August 1947 by a combination of chiefs, academics and lawyers, including R. A. Awoonor-Williams, Robert Samuel Blay, Edward Akufo-Addo, and Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey.

 

On 10 December 1947, Kwame Nkrumah returned to the (British colony) accepting Danquah’s invitation to become the UGCC General Secretary.

Big Six member Ebenezer Ako-Adjei recommended inviting Nkrumah, whom he had met at Lincoln University.

Nkrumah was offered a salary of £250, and Paa Grant paid the boat fare from Liverpool to Ghana.

Danquah and Nkrumah subsequently disagreed over the direction of the independence movement and parted ways after two years.

Nkrumah went on to form the Convention People’s Party and eventually became the first president of independent Ghana.

There was a meeting between Nkrumah and members of the party which occurred in Saltpond, a town in Central region.

It was said Nkrumah rejected a proposal for the promotion of fundamental human rights.

The UGCC performed poorly in the 1951 elections, winning only three seats.

The following year, it merged with the National Democratic Party and disaffected members of the Convention People’s Party, to form the Ghana Congress Party.

In 1949, Kwame Nkrumah set up the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to campaign for independence.

Elections took place in 1951, and the following year Nkrumah became the country’s first Premier.

The 1954 constitution provided for a legislative assembly of 104 directly elected members, and an all-African Cabinet; the UK kept responsibility for foreign affairs and defence.

The CPP campaigned for full independence.

The general election of 1956 returned the CPP with a big majority.

Modern-day Ghana was formed when the British-administered part of Togoland voted to join the Gold Coast in an independent state, in a UN-supervised plebiscite in May 1956.

Ghana achieved independence within the Commonwealth on 6 March 1957.

In 1960 Ghana became a republic, with Nkrumah as President, and in 1964 a one-party state, the CPP being the sole authorised party.

However, less than a year later, Nkrumah was removed by military coup, the first of four coups.

The army and police set up a National Liberation Council, which dissolved the legislative assembly and suspended the constitution while a new one was drafted.

Political activity was permitted again in 1969; a general election followed in August.

It returned the Progress Party; its leader Dr Kofi Busia became Prime Minister, with the National Alliance of Liberals as the opposition.

In 1972, another military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Acheampong overthrew Busia’s government and set up a National Redemption Council.

In 1978 Acheampong was replaced by General Frederick Akuffo, who promised civilian rule by the middle of the following year.

Two weeks before the elections were to be held in June 1979, a military coup led by junior officers ousted the government.

Flt-Lt Jerry J Rawlings and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council declared that they had assumed power, in order that an honest election could take place.

Elections were held as scheduled; they returned the People’s National Party, whose leader Dr Hilla Limann took office as President in September 1979.

Another coup, in 1981, put Rawlings back in power.

He suspended the constitution and banned political parties. From December 1981 until November 1992 Ghana was ruled by a Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

In May 1991 the PNDC government set up a 260-member consultative assembly to oversee the restoration of multiparty democracy.

A committee of constitutional experts was appointed to draft a new constitution for submission to this assembly.

In April 1992 the draft constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum; political associations were unbanned; and six opposition movements were granted legal recognition.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was formed to contest the elections on behalf of the PNDC which they won by majority vote.

They ruled for 8 years after getting elected again in 1996.

In 2000 the NPP party won the general elections, after 8 years power changed hands back to the NDC.

In 2016 the NPP won back power under the persevering leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, and astute lawyer whose father From 31 August 1970 until his deposition by coup d’état on 13 January 1972, was President of Ghana in the Second Republic.

Real power rested with the prime minister, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia.

On 17 July 1979, Akufo-Addo’s father died of natural causes.

Ghana is home to many tourist sites.

With Ghana you get beautiful hinterland, sunny beaches, rich culture, lively cities, welcoming locals, tons of wildlife, and easy access to all parts of the country.

There’s a big difference between northern and southern Ghana – including different religion, geography, and culture.

But you’ll still feel like the country is one harmonious unit.

If you’ve never been to Africa, Ghana is known as ‘Africa for beginners,’ making it a perfect destination for those who want to get their feet wet.

Accra :

In Accra, the Capital of Ghana, one can visit the National Theatre, International Trade Fair, the Kwame Nkrumah memorial, Independence Square, and W.E.B. Dubois Centre and the famous Art Centre.

The Artists Alliance Gallery

This gallery will blow you away with its contemporary and fine art collections.

Created by respected Ghanaian artist, Ablade Glover, the three story gallery is a treasure chest of Kente clothe, furniture, Asafo flags, masks, and unique metal sculptures.

You can see almost every prominent Ghanaian artist represented and most of the pieces are for sale.

Labadi Beach

Arguably Accra’s most popular beach, Labadi is the perfect city beach.

Great food and cocktails are available, as well as local entertainment and people watching.

The beach itself is maintained by the surrounding hotels so be forewarned that there is a small entrance fee for those not staying there.

If you happen to be there on the weekend you’ll for sure catch some native drumming, local reggae bands, and plenty of spots for dancing to hiplife – a unique music style that blends hip hop with Ghanaian culture.

Lake Volta

The largest man-made lake on Earth is Lake Volta in Ghana.

Stay in the neighbouring towns of Ho or Ewe as you explore this lush and beautiful area.

Enjoy Aburi botanical gardens, music cruises on the lake, canoeing, monkey sanctuaries, fishing, waterfalls, and a Kente weaving village.

If you’re up for it, you can hike to the top of Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s tallest peak.

Be sure to check out Shai Hills, a wildlife preserve, and Xavi, a bird watching sanctuary, while you’re there.

This is truly one of the most beautiful parts of Ghana and not to be missed.

Lake Bosumtwe

Just 32km from Kumasi is Lake Bosumtwe.

This crater lake is almost 90 metres deep and created when a large meteorite collided with Earth.

The lake is surrounded by fantastic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

In addition, you’ll find that many locals visit here as the lake is a sacred sight for the Ashanti people.

Folklore holds that the people’s spirits come to Lake Bosumtwe after death in order to say goodbye to the god “Otwi” translated as “The Antelope god”

If you’re looking for a relaxed place for water spots, this is an excellent weekend destination.

Tamale

Inhabited primarily by the Mole-Dagomba group, Tamale is the country’s northern capital.

There are several gorgeous mosques here and the cultural centre has craft shops, dance and music performances.

Considered to be the ‘kitchen’ of Ghana, you’ll find fantastic local and exotic foods here.

It’s probably the fastest growing city in West Africa and it’s also probably one of the most welcoming.

Farmers by tradition, this hot and arid land is located close to the Sahara Desert.

Don’t miss the two traditional palaces of Dapkema and Gulkpe Naa.

Kumasi

The second largest city in Ghana is Kumasi, once the capital of the powerful Ashanti kingdom.

The city itself is still heavy with Ashanti traditions.

The main attraction here is the Kejetia market.

A place where you can get lost for days.

In fact, sometimes the entire city can feel like one big market.

Visit the Manhyia Palace and learn about traditional African democracy.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the National Cultural Centre and sit in on a dance or drumming class.

Cape Three Points

For discerning beachcombers, Ghana offers Akwidaa – with a long and pristine white sand beach, you’ll find it’s one of the best that the country has to offer.

Explore the nearby cocoa plantations and forests and get a night-time guided tour of the turtle nesting spots along the beach.

If you like, you can take a canoe ride to Cape Three Points, the southernmost tip of Ghana.

There’s a great bar scene, good food, and plenty of local attractions to provide a good combination of lazing about and seeing new things.

Mole National Park

This is the place for family safari’s in Ghana.

Mole National Park covers a large savannah filled with African elephants, buffalos, baboons, warthogs, and kob antelopes.

You’ll find almost 100 mammal species and at least 300 bird species here.

The park allows walking and driving safaris and you can rent a park vehicle if you don’t have your own.

Going between December and April is the best time for elephant sightings, though you’re guaranteed to see plenty of mammals’ year round.

Busua Beach

Perhaps the most chill beach in Ghana is Busua.

It’s a magnet for the backpacker and volunteer crowds who love to come to unwind on the beach for a few days at a time.

Roughly 30k from the city of Takoradi and situated right between Dixcove and Butre, the village of Busua has potential for great excursions, making it an ideal base camp.

Many beaches in Ghana have a strong surf, making swimming a little precarious, but Busua waters are as relaxed as its vibe.

Because it’s primarily a tourist town, you’ll find great hotels and restaurants, shopping, and renting surfboards and bicycles.

Elmina Castle

The first European slave trading post in Africa was Elmina Castle.

Built in the 15th century by the Portuguese, it is located in what is now present day Ghana.

Over the centuries it’s been controlled by the Dutch and the British and primarily served the Caribbean and Brazil slave routes.

You can see the luxury accommodations up top, where the Europeans stayed and then visit the dungeons below where one cell held up to 200 people.

It’s a very eye opening look at a difficult aspect of African and European history.

The castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Monument and is part of the national museum system.

National Museum of Ghana

History buffs will love the National Museum of Ghana.

There are a number of exhibits dedicated to the Atlantic slave-trade and the African lives that where irreparably changed because of it.

If you’re looking for a good explanation of the ethnographic diversity of modern-day Ghana, this is the place to go.

Get insights into the past and present people, see traditional household objects, art, the royal Ashanti tools, and learn how to weave Kente cloth.

Cape Coast

Cape Coast is a former European colonial capital and one of the most culturally significant spots in all of Africa.

Originally called Cabo Corso by the Portuguese, the town was once the largest slave trading centre in West Africa.

It was here that slaves where brought, locked deep in the towns intimidating castle, and then loaded on to vessels heading to the New World.

What you will see and experience here will move you deeply.

Today Cape Coast is primarily a fishing town with an artsy vibe.

Old colonial buildings line the streets perfect for leisurely strolls.

Use Cape Coast as your base for exploring Anomabu, Elmina, and Kakum National Park.

 

Kakum National Park

A visit to Kakum National Park makes a great day trip from Cape Coast.

There you’ll find 40 mammal species, 300 bird species, and over 600 butterfly species.

The most popular part of the park is the canopy walk.

It’s a string of viewing platforms that are linked by safe and bouncy suspension bridges roughly 30 metres above the park floor.

For a deeper look into the park, make arrangements ahead of time for a park ranger or guide to take you further in.

 

Written by: Henry Kwadwo Amoako (🇬🇭Ghanaian Historian, Social Scientist and Medical Social Worker)