Ghana is a state in Westafrica, Africa. Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992.
Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from Britain in 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule.
Gold, cocoa and more recently oil form the cornerstone of Ghana's economy and have helped fuel an economic boom.
Ghana data
The Capital of the Republic of Ghana is Accra
Ghana Population 25.5 million
Ghana Area 238,53 sq km
Major languages in Ghana: English, African languages including Akan, Ewe
Major religions in Ghana: Christianity, indigenous beliefs, Islam
Asante court musical arts
Asante Court Music and Verbal Arts in Ghana: The Porcupine and the Gold Stool (Soas Studies in Music) Paperback – Feb. 2022. by Kwasi Ampene (Author).
Asante Court Music and Verbal Arts in Ghana is a comprehensive portrait of Asante court musical arts. Weaving together historical narratives with analyses of texts performed on drums, ivory trumpets, and a cane flute, the book includes a critical assembly of ancient song texts, the poetry of bards (kwadwom), and referential poetry performed by members of the constabulary (apae). The focus is on the intersections between lived experience, music, and values, and refers to musical examples drawn from court ceremonies, rituals, festivals, as well as casual performances elicited in the course of fieldwork.
For the Asante, the performing arts are complex sites for recording and storing personal experiences, and they have done so for centuries with remarkable consistency and self-consciousness. This book draws on archaeological, archival, historical, ethnographical and analytical sources to craft a view of the Asante experience as manifested in its musical and allied arts. Its goal is to privilege the voices of the Asante and how they express their history, religious philosophy, social values, economic, and political experiences through the musical and allied arts. The author’s theoretical formulation includes the concept of value, referring to ideas, worldview concepts, beliefs, and social relationships that inform musical practices and choices in Asante.
Externe Links
Africa, Ghana gov |
Google MyMaps Ghana |
Amazon DE, Ghana |
Ghana, located in West Africa, has a rich history that intertwines with the broader narrative of African civilization, colonial encounters, and post-independence struggles.
Pre-Colonial Era
Ancient Civilizations: While not directly connected to modern Ghana, the area was influenced by the great empires of West Africa like the Ghana Empire (7th - 13th centuries), despite being located further west in modern-day Mali and Mauritania. The name "Ghana" was adopted by the modern nation to honor this heritage. Akan States: The Ashanti Empire, founded in the late 17th century, was one of the most significant pre-colonial states in the region, known for its military prowess, gold trade, and well-organized political system. Other States: Various other kingdoms and states existed, including the Fante, Ga, and Ewe, each contributing to a rich mosaic of cultures and political structures.
European Contact and the Slave Trade
Portuguese Arrival: In 1471, the Portuguese arrived on the Gold Coast, building forts like Elmina Castle, initially for trade in gold but later becoming key in the transatlantic slave trade.
Dutch, British, Danish: Other European powers like the Dutch, British, and Danes established trading posts, competing for control over the lucrative trade routes.
Colonial Period
British Ascendancy: By the 19th century, Britain had emerged as the dominant power on the Gold Coast, with the British Gold Coast annexing areas like Ashanti and the Northern Territories.
Gold Coast Colony: The colony was formalized in 1874, with the coastal area directly administered by Britain, while the interior was governed through indirect rule.
Path to Independence: Nationalist Movements: In the early 20th century, educated Ghanaians began forming political organizations, with the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) being one of the earliest in 1947. Kwame Nkrumah: The Convention People's Party (CPP) under Kwame Nkrumah's leadership was more radical and popular, advocating for immediate self-government.
Independence
On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from colonial rule, with Nkrumah as its first Prime Minister, later becoming President. Post-Independence: Nkrumah’s Era: Nkrumah aimed for rapid industrialization, pan-Africanism, and socialism but faced economic challenges and political opposition, leading to his overthrow in a coup in 1966.
Military and Civilian Rule: Ghana experienced several coups and periods of military rule interspersed with civilian governance, with notable leaders like Jerry Rawlings, who first came to power through a coup in 1979 and later through elections in the 1990s.
Modern Ghana
Democracy and Stability: Since the 1992 constitution, Ghana has enjoyed relative political stability with peaceful transitions of power between different political parties, notably the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Economy: Ghana is rich in natural resources like gold, cocoa, and more recently, oil, but faces challenges in economic distribution, corruption, and infrastructure. Cultural Influence: Ghana has a vibrant culture, known for its music (like Highlife and Afrobeat), festivals, and contributions to African literature and arts. Ghana's history is a testament to resilience, cultural richness, and the complexities of navigating post-colonial identity and development.

Grok media EN Ghana