Transcript Ghana - Quaker Valley School District

Ghana
Leading to African Independence
The Colonial Years
An ethnic group called the Akan formed
the Asante Kingdom in the Gold Coast.
 This kingdom tried to stop the British
takeover.
 In 1874, the British succeeded in
colonizing the Gold Coast.

Effects of British Control
British sent cocoa grown in Gold Coast
to factories in Britain to make chocolate.
 Timber and gold were exported to
Britain as well.
 The growing of cash crops led to
problems such as, having to import food.

Effects…continued
British built schools run by missionaries.
 Traditional religions began to be replaced
by Christianity.

Moving Toward Independence
In the 1900’s African colonies wanted
independence.
 Europeans resisted this idea and claimed African
countries were not ready to govern themselves.
 Kwame Nkrumah challenged this belief.
 He convinced the people to demand
independence.

Independence Achieved
In 1957, Great Britain granted the Gold
Coast sovereignty.
 Nkrumah became the first president of
the new country (Ghana).
 Ghana was the first West African colony
to gain independence.

Independence…continued
Nine years later, Nkrumah was removed from
power by a coup d’état.
 Nkrumah borrowed money to improve the
country (conference center, superhighway, and
dam).
 The price of cocoa fell, and Ghana could not
repay its debt.
