Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 15 October 2016 / No comments
How Indirect Rule worked in the Gold Coast
Creation of a Native Authority
The British created a Native Authority
with the mandate to make laws, maintain law and order and provide some basic
amenities for the people. The Native Authority was made up of a group of traditional
states organized into paramountcies and assisted by some sun-chiefs.
Provision for a Native Treasury
The colonialists made provision for a
Native Treasury where taxes, fines and other levies collected were deposited.
Part of the monies so generated was sent to the colonial powers and the rest
was kept for use by the Native Authority.
Native Courts
Native courts were created to help in
the administration of justice at the local level. Every Native Authority had a
native Court, where cases were adjudicated. Anybody who was dissatisfied by the
ruling of the Native Court could appeal alone the chain till it reaches the
court of the Native Administration. This court was headed by the Paramount
Chief.
District commissioners
Just above the Native Authorities
were the District commissioners who headed the various paramount areas that
constituted the Districts. They were the British officials who directly
supervised the work of the Native Authorities at the bottom of the structure.
Provincial Commissioners
Some Districts constituted a province
which was headed by a Provincial Commissioner. The Provincial Commissioners
were the direct supervisors of the District Commissioners. The Regional
Commissioners were answerable to him for the work they are expected to do.
Regional Commissioner
Each colony was divided into regions
with each region being headed by a Regional Commissioner. The Regional
Commissioner supervised the work of the Provinces under it jurisdiction.
Governor
At the very top of the administration
of the colony was the Governor. His duty was to ensure the smooth administration
of the entire colonies.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
1. Describe six features of the way the
British authorities operated Indirect Rule in the Gold Coast.
