GhanaGhanaLeading to African Independence

The Colonial YearsThe Colonial YearsAn 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 ControlEffects of British ControlBritish 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…continuedEffects…continuedBritish built schools run by

missionaries.Traditional religions began to be

replaced by Christianity.

Moving Toward Moving Toward IndependenceIndependenceIn 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 AchievedIndependence AchievedIn 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…continuedIndependence…continuedNine 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.