Ghana, the former British colony of the Gold Coast, is historically known for being the first country to the south of the Sahara to attain political independence from colonial rule. It is known for its exports of cocoa and a variety of minerals, especially gold, and it is now an oil exporting country. But Ghana’s importance to the African continent is not only seen in its natural resources or its potential to expand its agricultural output. Rather the nation’s political history of nationalism, the history of military engagement in politics, record of economic depression and the ability to rise from the ashes of political and economic decay is the most unique character of the country. This fourth edition of Historical Dictionary of Ghana covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 900 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Ghana.
David Owusu-Ansah is professor of history at James Madison University where he has taught for almost thirty years. He is the author of earlier editions of the Historical Dictionary of Ghana and his most recent publication, co-authored with Abdulai Iddrisu and Mark Sey, is Islamic Learning, the State and the Challenges of Education in Ghana (2013).
Table of Contents
Part 1 Editor's Foreword Part 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 Maps Part 4 Acronyms and Abbreviations Part 5 Chronology Part 6 Introduction Part 7 THE DICTIONARY Part 8 Bibliography Chapter 9 Introduction Chapter 10 A. Bibliographies and Guides Chapter 11 B. General Information Chapter 12 C. Serials Chapter 13 D. Government Documents Chapter 14 E. Archaeology Chapter 15 F. General History Chapter 16 G. Regional Studies/Local History Chapter 17 H. History before 1840 Chapter 18 I. History, 1840-1956: Colonial Era Chapter 19 J. History since Independence Chapter 20 K. The Economy Chapter 21 L. Geography, Demography, and Travels Chapter 22 M. The Arts Chapter 23 N. Language and Literature Chapter 24 O. Society: Culture and Social Life Chapter 25 P. Religion Chapter 26 Q. Education Chapter 27 R. Health Part 28 Appendix A: British Administrators of the Gold Coast Part 29 Appendix B: Ghanaian Leaders since 1951 Part 30 About the Author
