Ghana Historic Overview

The earliest documented history of Ghana begins with the Sudanese Empire that flourished between 4 and 10 AD. Ghana was known as the "gold coast" until it became independent from British rule in 1957. In 1960, Ghana became a republic with Dr Nkrumah as its leader. Under his rule, Ghana made great strides in education and social service sectors, industrial and infrastructure development. The country played a major role in many international organisations such as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement.

The most important name in present day politics of Ghana is the flamboyant Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, who led coups against the government in 1979 and 1981. Rawlings was all for radical economic and social policies. This, however, did not help the national treasury that was almost empty in the 1980s. The Ghana government had to turn to the IMF for help.

A new constitution was drafted and Rawlings and his party submitted themselves to the verdict of the people in 1992, winning the presidency and a huge number of legislature seats. The IMF and World Bank offered substantial promises of aid in support of the new government.

In 1994, a state of emergency had to be declared when the bristling hostility between the Konkomba and Nanumba erupted in violent clashes. The ethnic clash was contained by August of the following year. 1996 saw Jerry Rawlings being re-elected. Inter-communal clashes still break out at times but Ghana is experiencing a long overdue period of political stability.