Basic 4 · History · Why and How We Study History
What is the History of Ghana?
In this topic you will learn what history is and the main periods of Ghana's history.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of history
- Name the main periods of Ghana's history
- Place events in the right period
What you already know
- Historical places in Ghana (Basic 2)
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
Ghana did not always have this name or these borders. Long ago there were many kingdoms. Then Europeans came, and later the British ruled. In 1957 Ghana became independent. This is the history of Ghana.
1. What is History?
History: The study of past human activities and events.
2. Periods of Ghana's History
| Period | Time | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| pre-colonial | before European rule | kingdoms such as Bono, Asante, Dagbon and Fante states |
| colonial | about 1874 to 1957 | British rule; the country was called the Gold Coast |
| post-independence | from 1957 | Ghana rules itself |
3. From Gold Coast to Ghana
Europeans called the land the "Gold Coast" because of its gold.
At independence on 6th March 1957, the name was changed to Ghana, after the old Ghana Empire of West Africa.
Remember: The old Ghana Empire was in parts of present-day Mali and Mauritania, not in modern Ghana.
New words
- history
- The study of past events.
- period
- A length of time in history.
- pre-colonial
- Before European rule.
- colonial
- The time of rule by another country.
- independence
- Freedom from foreign rule.
- empire
- A large state ruled by one ruler.
Summary
- History is the study of past human activities.
- Ghana's history has pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence periods.
- The country was called the Gold Coast during British rule.
- It was named Ghana at independence in 1957.
Class activity: Timeline Strip
- Draw a long timeline strip.
- Mark the three periods with dates.
- Add one picture to each period.
You need: Old family photographs, Clay pot or calabash, Exercise books
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. What was Ghana called during British rule?
- A. Gold Coast
- B. Ivory Coast
- C. Slave Coast
- D. Grain Coast
Show answer
Answer: Gold CoastEuropeans named it for its gold.2. Which period came before European rule?
- A. Pre-colonial
- B. Colonial
- C. Post-independence
- D. Modern
Show answer
Answer: Pre-colonial"Pre" means before.3. Ghana was named after…
- A. The old Ghana Empire
- B. A river
- C. A king
- D. A mountain
Show answer
Answer: The old Ghana EmpireIt honoured the ancient empire.4. Ghana became independent in 1957.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOn 6th March 1957.5. The old Ghana Empire was located where modern Ghana is.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt was in parts of present-day Mali and Mauritania.6. Freedom from foreign rule is ______.
Show answer
Answer: independenceThat is independence.7. Name the three main periods of Ghana's history.
Show answer
Answer: Pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence.These are the periods.8. Why did Europeans call the land the Gold Coast?
Show answer
Answer: Because a lot of gold was found and traded there.Gold attracted traders.
Homework
- Ask an elder what they remember about Ghana's past.