Ghana

Discover Ghana

Ghana's history begins in the 4th century AD with the Soninke people's establishment of the Ghana Empire, a powerful trading empire that controlled the trans-Saharan trade routes. The empire declined in the 11th century and was conquered by the Soso people in 1240.

In the 17th century, the Ashanti people established the Ashanti Empire, a powerful and well-organized kingdom that was a major center of gold production. European traders arrived in Ghana in the 15th century, interested in its gold and other resources. They built forts and castles along the coast to protect their trade interests.

Britain established a protectorate over the Gold Coast, as Ghana was then known, in 1874. The Gold Coast became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from European rule in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah, who had led the fight for independence, became the first president of Ghana.

In 1966, Nkrumah was overthrown in a military coup. Ghana was ruled by a military dictatorship for the next 23 years. In 1979, Jerry Rawlings led a coup to overthrow the military government and establish a new government. Rawlings promised to restore democracy to Ghana, and in 1992, the country held its first democratic elections in over 20 years. Rawlings won the election and was president until 2000. Ghana has continued to be a democracy since then.

Today, Ghana is a peaceful and prosperous country. It is a major producer of gold, cocoa, and oil. Ghana is also a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and rich culture.

Source Bard