Basic 4 · History · Why and How We Study History
Important Events in Ghana's History
In this topic you will learn key dates and events in Ghana's history.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name key events in Ghana's history
- Place events on a timeline
- Explain the importance of each event
What you already know
- How we learn about Ghana's past
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- My country Ghana
- Sub-strand
- Why and How We Study History
- Indicator
- B4.1.1.1.1 – Explain the importance of studying the history of Ghana
Introduction
Every year we celebrate Independence Day on 6th March and Republic Day on 1st July. These dates mark important events in our history.
1. Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1471 | Portuguese traders arrived on the Gold Coast |
| 1482 | Portuguese built Elmina Castle |
| 1874 | the British made the coastal areas the Gold Coast Colony |
| 1948 | ex-servicemen were shot at Christiansborg crossroads; riots followed; the "Big Six" were arrested |
| 1957 | Ghana became independent on 6th March |
| 1960 | Ghana became a republic on 1st July |
| 1993 | the Fourth Republic began on 7th January |
2. The Big Six
The "Big Six" were leaders arrested after the 1948 riots: Kwame Nkrumah, J. B. Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ako Adjei, William Ofori Atta and Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey.
Remember: Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule.
New words
- event
- Something important that happened.
- timeline
- A line showing events in order of time.
- colony
- A land ruled by another country.
- republic
- A country with an elected president, not a king or queen.
- riot
- A violent public disturbance.
- ex-servicemen
- Former soldiers.
Summary
- The Portuguese arrived in 1471 and built Elmina Castle in 1482.
- The Gold Coast Colony was formed in 1874.
- Ghana became independent in 1957 and a republic in 1960.
- The Fourth Republic began in 1993.
Class activity: Human Timeline
- Each learner holds a card with an event and year.
- Stand in order from earliest to latest.
- Explain why your event is important.
You need: Old family photographs, Clay pot or calabash, Exercise books
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. When did Ghana become independent?
- A. 1957
- B. 1960
- C. 1948
- D. 1874
Show answer
Answer: 1957On 6th March 1957.2. When did Ghana become a republic?
- A. 1960
- B. 1957
- C. 1993
- D. 1966
Show answer
Answer: 1960On 1st July 1960.3. Who were arrested as the "Big Six"?
- A. Leaders after the 1948 riots
- B. Six chiefs
- C. Six footballers
- D. Six traders
Show answer
Answer: Leaders after the 1948 riotsThey included Nkrumah and Danquah.4. Elmina Castle was built in 1482.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBy the Portuguese.5. The Fourth Republic began in 1957.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt began on 7th January 1993.6. A land ruled by another country is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: colonyThe Gold Coast was a colony.7. Put in order: republic, independence, Gold Coast Colony.
Show answer
Answer: Gold Coast Colony (1874), independence (1957), republic (1960).Order by date.8. Why was Ghana's independence important for Africa?
Show answer
Answer: Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence, inspiring others.It encouraged freedom movements.
Homework
- Ask an elder what they know about 6th March 1957.