Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday 21 January 2017 / No comments
The aims and objectives of the Fante Confederacy
Introduction
The Fante confederacy was an example of a proto-nationalist
movement which was formed in 1868 in Mankesim. It is the first
proto-nationalist group to be formed. It was formed by a combination of people
from the southern part of the Gold Coast, their chiefs and the educated elite.
Several reasons have been advanced for its formation.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Friendly relationship
One of the aims of the confederacy was to ensure that there
is peace and harmony among the kings and chiefs of Fante land so that they can
ward off external aggression and also be able to attack states that are a
threat to them.
Provision of social amenities
Another aim of the confederacy was to ensure the provision of
social amenities such as schools and roads in the confederacy.
Enhance agricultural and industrial activity
Also, the confederacy aimed at the promotion of agricultural
and industrial activities that have the capacity to bring wealth to their land.
Development of natural resources
It was also the aim of the Fante Confederacy to promote the
development of the natural resources of the state which includes the mineral
resources.
Stand up to the British
The Confederacy also aimed at standing up to the British and
fighting to be the determinants of their own affairs. It was also to prevent
the British from taking over their rights.
Unite against Europeans
Finally, the confederacy was aimed at presenting a combined
power against the people of Europe.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE
FANTE CONFEDERACY
United front
One of the achievements of the Fante Confederacy was that it
was able to bring together the various elements which were at play at the time.
It brought together the Fante and non-Fante speaking states and the educated elite
and the British were not able to break their front.
The Dutch withdrawal
The confederacy was able to prevent the Dutch from continuing
with their attempt to establish themselves at the coast. This is in spite of
the fact that their departure strengthened the hands of the British along the
coast.
The raising of an army
Another achievement of the confederacy was the fact that it
was able to put together a fifteen thousand strong army that was able to help
to ward off the Dutch who wanted to take over their territories.
Generation of own revenue
The confederacy was able to generate its own revenue to carry
out its activities. For example, the confederacy was able to impose taxes and
other duties which were administered by a Poll Tax Commissioner appointed in
each of the member-states.
Creation of a confederal government
The confederacy brought unity to the southern states in both
the central and the western provinces. The Confederacy was able to bring the
states together by the adoption of one constitution. In other words,
constitution saw the creation of a confederal government.
National Supreme Court
The Confederacy was able to set a National Supreme Court. One
of the main functions of this court was to serve as the final arbiter in the settlement
of cases that are brought before it.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What were the main reasons for the formation of the
Fante Confederacy?
b. Highlight five aims for the formation of the Fante
Confederacy.
2. Highlight six
achievements of the Fante Confederacy.
3. a. What were the aims and objectives of the Fante
Confederacy?
b. Advance three
reasons why you would say the Confederacy was successful.
The aims and objectives of the Fante Confederacy
The aims and objectives of the Fante Confederacy
