Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday, 2 May 2018 / No comments
The social, economic and political developments in Ghana under the period of colonial rule
THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN GHANA
UNDER THE PERIOD OF COLONIALISM
Introduction
Through a series of treaties and agreements between the local
traditional rulers in the Gold Coast and the representatives of the European
powers, the Gold Coast was duly and completely colonized by the beginning of
the twentieth century. By the time the colonialists were exiting, there had
been a lot of social, economic and political developments.
THE EFFECTS OF COLONIAL RULE
Establishment of schools
One of the social effects of colonization is the
establishment of schools in the Ghana. The colonialists introduced the western
style of education and the locals were encouraged to acquire western education.
Subsequently, those who acquired education later became eligible for employment
after school as the economy expanded. Some of them captured the top echelons of
the Civil Service when it was Africanized.
Spread of Christianity
Until the coming of the white man, the main religion of the
indigenous people was Traditional African Religion. The attempt by Christian
Missionaries to introduce Christianity was therefore met with stiff opposition
in certain quarters. The missionaries were looked upon with suspicion. With the
establishment of colonialism, the missionaries could move about with less
restriction than before. The result was the rapid spread of Christianity.
Western Medicare
Colonialism also introduced western methods of medication
among the people. This resulted in the putting up of many health facilities.
The western method of medication did not completely replace the traditional methods
of medication, it rather complemented it. This brought about improvements in the
healthcare situation of the local people.
Reduction in the powers of the Chiefs
The successful colonization of the Gold Coast also culminated
in the reduction of the powers of the traditional rulers. The passing of the
Native Jurisdiction Ordinance, for example, gave powers to the colonial
officials to appoint and remove chiefs. The chiefs, so appointed by the
colonial officials, became stooges of their colonial appointing authorities,
thereby, sometimes losing the trust and support of the locals.
Creation of artificial barriers
The establishment of British rule in the Gold Coast led to
the creation of artificial barriers among the members of same ethnic groups.
For example, before colonial rule, the Ewes, the Nzemas and other ethnic groups
along the new artificial borders, were one ethnic group, moving freely and
trading among themselves, but the partitioning drove a knife between them with
one portion on either side of border. This led to restrictions in the daily
interactions of the local people on the borders.
Expansion in social amenities
Colonial rule also brought about expansion in the provision
of social amenities. Aside the provision of health facilities, water systems
were created and expanded in various communities. New markets were built and in
some cases, the old ones were expanded and given a facelift. Electricity was
provided in some urban centres and small towns which hitherto did not have such
facilities. All these enhanced the general lifestyle of the people.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. What were the major effects of European activities on the
people of Ghana between the 16th and the 20th centuries?
2. What were the effects of European presence in Ghana up to
1900?
