Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday, 22 January 2017 / No comments
The achievements of the National Congress of British West Africa
Introduction
The national Congress of British West Africa was formed in
1917 through the initiatives of Mr. J.E. Casely Hayford of the Gold Coast.
Another founding member was Dr. Akinwade Savage, a Nigerian then resident in the Gold Coast.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Introduction of the elective principle
One of the achievements of the National Congress of British
West Africa was that through its agitation, the elective principle was
introduced into the body politic of the British West African colonies. The
first to enjoy the elective principle was Nigeria in 1922 under the Clifford
constitution, followed by Sierra Leone in 1924 under the Slater constitution,
then The Gold Coast in 1925 under the Guggisberg constitution.
Contribution to education
Another achievement of the National Congress of British West
Africa was that its call for improvement in the provision of educational
facilities and the establishment of a West African University for the four
colonies culminated in the established of the Achimota College in Ghana, the
Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone and the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
Political and national consciousness
The National Congress of British West Africa was able to
raise the national consciousness of the West Africans. This was mainly achieved
through activities such as the writing and presentation of petitions to the
Secretary of State for the colonies and the following of other constitutionally
laid down processes.
It brought unity to the educated elite in West Africa
The National Congress of British West Africa was able to
forge a certain sense of unity among the educated elite in the West African British
colonies. This was possible as they worked together in the interest of all the
colonies involved and tried to speak with one voice for the entire British West
African territory.
West African Court of Appeal
The call of the National Congress of British West Africa for
the establishment of a West African Court of Appeal saw the light day. The West
African Appeals Court was duly created to serve as the final arbiter in cases
of protracted disputes. That was not all, some Africans were also called the
bench.
Delegation to London
The Congress successfully sent a delegation to the Secretary
of State for the colonies to present petitions for consideration of British
colonial officials in London. It is argued that even though the British
government did not recognize the delegation that went to London in 1930 the mere
attempt of the National Congress of British West Africa may have contributed to
the changes witnessed in colonial administration during the period.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What is the National Congress of British West Africa?
b.
Highlight five of the achievements of the National Congress of British West
Africa.
