Resisting Colonialism in Ghana | World History Project

Summary

This video explores Ghana’s journey to independence, highlighting the fierce resistance to colonialism. Historian Trevor Getz interviews Tony Yeboah, delving into key moments such as the military resistance led by Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the widespread protests and boycotts organized by Ghanaians, and the pivotal role of Kwame Nkrumah. From the 1900 battle over the Golden Stool to Nkrumah's leadership in the 1940s and 50s, the narrative showcases how diverse forms of resistance, from armed conflict to nonviolent actions, ultimately led to Ghana becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ghana was composed of independent states and self-ruling communities until the 1870s, when European colonization began.
• 😀 By 1916, most of Africa was colonized, with the exception of Ethiopia and Liberia, but Africans resisted from the start.
• 😀 Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957, after years of resistance to colonial rule.
• 😀 Historian Adu Boahen emphasized that Ghana's independence was won through African resistance, not granted by colonizers.
• 😀 Yaa Asantewaa, a 65-year-old queen, led the Asante people in a military resistance to the British, famously protecting the Golden Stool, a symbol of the Asante kingdom.
• 😀 The Asante resistance to British demands for the Golden Stool led to a prolonged conflict in 1900, where the British were unable to capture the sacred stool.
• 😀 The British often used local chiefs to enforce colonial rule, which led to protests and resistance directed at these chiefs.
• 😀 After WWII, a wave of independence movements emerged in Ghana, spearheaded by the UGCC, which organized boycotts and protests against British colonial policies.
• 😀 Kwame Nkrumah, educated in the United States, became a central figure in the push for independence, founding the Convention People's Party (CPP).
• 😀 Nkrumah's 'positive action' campaign, inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and noncooperation, led to widespread strikes and protests, eventually securing independence for Ghana.
• 😀 In 1951, Nkrumah was imprisoned but still won a significant political victory, securing a massive majority in Accra’s elections, which forced the British to release him, accelerating the push for independence.

Q & A

What was the political structure of Africa before the 1870s?

Before the 1870s, Africa consisted of independent states and small self-ruling communities. These regions were not colonized but were governed by local rulers and systems.

What marked the beginning of European colonialism in Africa?

European colonialism in Africa began in the 1870s, with European powers carving out colonies and creating vast empires across the continent, culminating in 1916 when almost all of Africa was colonized, except for Ethiopia and Liberia.

How did Africans resist colonialism?

Africans resisted colonialism through various means, including military force, protests, boycotts, and sabotage. Resistance often involved everyday people and leaders coming together to challenge colonial authorities.

What role did Nana Yaa Asantewaa play in resisting colonialism?

Nana Yaa Asantewaa was a key figure in resisting British colonialism in Asante. In 1900, when the British demanded the Golden Stool, a symbol of the Asante kingdom, she led an armed resistance to protect it, even at the age of 65.

What is the significance of the Golden Stool in Asante culture?

The Golden Stool was a sacred symbol representing the blood, soul, and spirit of the Asante kingdom. It was considered the essence of the kingdom, and its loss would signify the end of Asante rule.

What strategies did Ghanaians use to resist colonial rule beyond military conflict?

In addition to military resistance, Ghanaians used strategies such as boycotting British goods, organizing protests, and sabotaging the colonial administration. These methods helped to weaken British control over the region.

Why were the chiefs seen as a target for resistance?

Under the British system of indirect rule, chiefs were expected to enforce British policies. As a result, when people were dissatisfied with colonial rule, they often directed their anger towards these local leaders, and in some cases, even removed them from power.

How did Kwame Nkrumah become a prominent figure in the independence movement?

Kwame Nkrumah became prominent when he was invited to Ghana by the UGCC in 1947. He later broke away from the UGCC to form his own party, the Convention People's Party (CPP), and led mass campaigns like the 'positive action' to push for independence.

What was the 'positive action' campaign, and how did it contribute to Ghana's independence?

The 'positive action' campaign, initiated by Nkrumah in 1950, was a nonviolent movement based on Gandhi's principles of noncooperation. It included boycotts and mass protests, which eventually forced the British to recognize the growing demand for independence.

How did Nkrumah's leadership help Ghana achieve independence?

Nkrumah's leadership helped by uniting diverse groups, including farmers and workers, across ethnic and religious lines. His message of self-government resonated with the masses, which made it clear to the British that Ghana's independence was inevitable.