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Basic 4 · History · Why and How We Study History

Why We Study Ghana's History

In this topic you will explain the importance of studying the history of Ghana.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Give reasons for studying history
  • Explain how history builds national identity
  • Explain how we learn lessons from the past

What you already know

  • What is the history of Ghana?

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

A tree cannot stand without roots. Knowing our history is like knowing our roots. It tells us who we are and where we came from.

1. Reasons for Studying History

Importance of history
ReasonExplanation
identitywe know who we are and where we came from
lessonswe learn from past successes and mistakes
patriotismwe love and serve our country
appreciation of culturewe value our traditions and festivals
unitywe understand how different groups became one nation
good citizenshipwe respect leaders and laws
The Sankofa bird looking back with an egg in its beak
Figure 1: Sankofa: learn from the past Draw the Sankofa bird.Illustration: Sirbus; Sankofa symbol: Pablo Busatto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Sankofa

The Akan Adinkra symbol Sankofa means "go back and fetch it". It teaches that we should learn from the past to build a better future.

New words

identity
Who a person or nation is.
patriotism
Love for your country.
heritage
Traditions and history passed down.
lesson
Something learnt from experience.
citizen
A member of a country.
Sankofa
An Adinkra symbol meaning "go back and fetch it".

Summary

  • History tells us who we are.
  • We learn lessons from past successes and mistakes.
  • History builds patriotism and unity.
  • Sankofa teaches us to learn from the past.

Class activity: Why History?

  1. Look at old family photographs and objects.
  2. Discuss what they teach about the past.
  3. Write three reasons for studying history.

You need: Old family photographs, Clay pot or calabash, Exercise books

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. Love for your country is…

    • A. Patriotism
    • B. Tribalism
    • C. Selfishness
    • D. Laziness
    Show answer
    Answer: PatriotismThat is patriotism.

  2. 2. What does Sankofa mean?

    • A. Go back and fetch it
    • B. Except God
    • C. Unity
    • D. Strength
    Show answer
    Answer: Go back and fetch itIt teaches learning from the past.

  3. 3. Which is a reason for studying history?

    • A. To learn from past mistakes
    • B. To forget our culture
    • C. To dislike other groups
    • D. To waste time
    Show answer
    Answer: To learn from past mistakesHistory teaches lessons.

  4. 4. History helps us know our identity.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueIt tells us who we are.

  5. 5. Studying history divides Ghanaians.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseIt helps unite us.

  6. 6. Traditions and history passed down are our ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: heritageThat is heritage.

  7. 7. Give three reasons for studying Ghana's history.

    Show answer
    Answer: Any three: identity, lessons, patriotism, culture, unity, citizenship.History has many benefits.

  8. 8. How can studying history help Ghana avoid past mistakes?

    Show answer
    Answer: By learning what caused problems before, leaders and citizens can make better choices.History guides the future.

Homework

  1. Write a short paragraph on why you are proud to be Ghanaian.