Post-colonial Legacies, Change and Continuity in Ghana 1956

About this course

The course traces Ghana’s transition from colony to republic, the Nkrumah era, periods of military and civilian government, and the return to democracy from 1992 onwards. It also considers colonial legacies in governance and infrastructure, post-independence economic policies, political continuity and the influence of the Ghanaian diaspora. Teaching combines illustrated presentations with reading and discussion of contemporary sources in translation. The tutor and learners contribute to class conversations, with occasional worksheets promoting further reading outside class.

What you'll learn

• Examine the political, social and economic legacies of colonial rule in Ghana.
• Analyse Ghana’s development from independence through successive forms of government.
• Evaluate how change and continuity have shaped Ghanaian governance, culture and economics.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for newcomers to the subject as well as learners with some background knowledge. It involves active participation in group and class discussions, including consideration of sensitive topics and differing views. A good grasp of English is needed to follow the course.

• Suitable for learners with either limited or some existing knowledge of Ghana’s history and politics.
• Requires respectful engagement with discussion and viewpoints that may differ from one’s own.
• Learners are encouraged to explore shared resources and reflect on the lessons outside class.

Before you go

• Learners should bring materials for taking notes.
• Essential reading is supplied through Google Classroom for download, so purchasing reading material is not expected.
• Optional reading outside class may be accompanied by a worksheet.