History
History Of Ghana
Ghana is a country located on the West Coast of Africa, with Togo on its eastern border, La Côte d’Ivoire to its western side, Burkina Faso to the north and bordered to the south by the Atlantic ocean.The total area of Ghana is 238, 540 sq. km (the total area of Mauritius – i.e. plus Rodrigues – is 2,040 sq. km. Meaning Ghana is 117 times the size of Mauritius). It may be worth noting that Ghana is located right in the geographic centre of the world, with average travel times to Europe, and the Americas conveniently disposed.
- Ghana is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa – and the world for that matter – since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992.
- Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from Britain in 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule.
- Ghana is, therefore, 64 years old.
- The country is named after the great medieval trading empire Ghana which was located northwest of the modern-day state until its demise in the 13th century.
- Modern Ghana is therefore comprised of many Kingdoms/ethnic groups which were found within that former British colonial geographic territory.
1482
Portuguese Arrival
In 1482 Portuguese settlers arrived and began trading in gold, ivory and timber with various Akan states/kingdoms.
1500
Slave Trade
During the 1500s the obnoxious slave trade gained prominence. Enslavement overtook gold as the main export in the region.
1600
Dutch, English, Danish and Swedish
The 1600s saw Dutch, English, Danish and Swedish settlers arriving in the territory and the abhorent slave trade became highly organised.
1642
Portuguese and Dutch
British dominance began in 1807 and, subsequently, the ban on the slave trade from the Gold Coast became effective.
1807
British Dominance
British dominance began in 1807 and, subsequently, the ban on the slave trade from the Gold Coast became effective.
1874
British Crown Colony
In 1874 the Gold Coast was officially proclaimed a British crown colony.
1957
Ghana Independence
In 1957 Ghana became the first “black” African colony to declare independence.
1968-1992
Military Rule
1968-1992 was a period of successive of military rule interspersed with a couple of brief periods of civilian democratic rule. Ghana was therefore predominantly a one-party state.
1992
Dawn of the 4th Republic
In 1992 a new constitution was adopted and a multi-party system of democratic governance was instituted. This marked the dawn of the 4th Republic which has been in place for the past 29 years.
Today
Ghana’s wealth
Ghana’s burgeoning potential of resources (both human and natural), democratic political system and dynamic economy, makes it undoubtedly one of Africa’s leading lights.
