Question

Explain six factors that led to the development of African Nationalism in Ghana.

Answer 1

• Inadequate African representation in the Legislative council based discontent among the Ghanaians.
• Loss of powers by the traditional African chiefs created discontent against the colonial government.
• The need to guard against possible land alienation by the British united the Africans.
• Introduction of taxation by the colonial government was resented by Ghanaians.
• The meagre earnings by Africans from the sale of cocoa to Europeans created discontent among them.
• The order by the colonial government that farmers uproot their crops due to prevalence of the “swollen shoot” disease upset them.
• Then involvement of the ex-servicemen in the Second World War inspired them to fight for their independence.
• The attainment of independence by India/Pakistan in 1947 encouraged the Ghanaians to demand for their right to govern themselves.
• The existence of young educated Ghanaians who had understood the ideals of democracy/freedom who inspired the masses towards a worthy cause.
• High rate of unemployment among the Africans created resentment/discontent.
• The United Nations Charter’s declaration of the importance of political independence for all people inspired the Ghanaians and other leaders.
• The charismatic leadership provided by Kwame Nkrumah united the people in their struggle against colonial domination.
• The selective granting of trading licenses to Europeans traders while denying the same to the Africans created discontent.