Ghana. A country know for its rich culture, amazing food and Asamoah Gyan’s miss in the World Cup Quarter Final. But one thing many people don’t know is that the country used the be called the Gold coast. Here’s why…
The Gold Coast
In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers discovered West African kingdoms on the Gulf of Guinea with rich supplies of gold in the ground. News spread fast, with many other European countries following suit leading to a trade where European goods where exchanged for slaves and gold. The trade flourished and the region would unanimously be named The Gold Coast.
Eventually, the British gained control of the whole area. The Ashanti people were strongly opposed to their rule leading to four bloody Ashanti Wars throughout the 19th century . Despite their efforts, they failed to gain independence. By 1901, the British had extended their colonial rule over the Gold Coast and its neighbouring territories, including Ashanti, the Northern Territories, and British Togoland. These regions were joined together creating a singular entity under British control.
How was Ghana created?
But how did the name change from The Gold Coast? Well it’s all down to one man, Kwame Nkrumah. Following WWII, the British began to loosen their control over the region, granting it more autonomy. At that time, the primary political party was the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCG) lead by Nkrumah. Due to disagreements regarding the nation’s independence, he left the party and established the Convention People’s Party (CPP).”
When the Governor opposed Nkrumah’s efforts to revise the constitution, he called for a strike, which quickly escalated to violence and his subsequent imprisonment. The CPP continued in his absence and they eventually won Ghana’s first general election in 1952. Nkrumah was released from prison and given the position of Prime Minister.
During his tenure, he spearheaded constitutional reform and eventually gained independence from British colonial rule. Thanks to Nkrumah the Gold coast was free, becoming the first African country to do so. Shedding their colonial past, the name of the region was changed to one of its former glorious empires and today it is known as Ghana, a great nation.
Ghana Today
Today, Ghana is a major player in the global gold market in the world, with exports worth $9.53bn recorded 2022. It is one of Switzerland’s biggest suppliers of gold. So when you see a gold Rolex, Audemars Piguet or Patek Phillipe, there’s a chance the journey started in Ghana. The story of the Gold Coast is deeply rooted in Ghana’s history. A story of an abundant land, exploitation but most importantly, freedom.