Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday 3 May 2017 / No comments
The steps taken by the British to establish political control over the Gold Coast
Introduction
The late 19th century saw an increased interest in
Africa by Europe. The British turned their attention toward what was then
called the Gold Coast. In order to establish their control over the territory,
they did not use a one-size-fits-all approach. They used different methods as
the situation on the ground dictated till they were able to cover the entire
colony.
HOW CONTROL WAS
ESTABLISHED
The Bond of 1844
This was a treaty that was signed between the states along
the shores of the then Gold Coast and the British Crown. It was master-minded
by one Commander Hill, signing on behalf of the British Crown on the one hand,
and the chiefs of the states along the shores of the Gold Coast on the other. The
terms of the treaty were that the chiefs gave up the practicing of certain
customs, such as human sacrifice, in exchange for protection from the British.
The Fomena Treaty
Following the Sa granti war, the British established
political authority over the Gold Coast resulting from the signing of the
Fomena Treaty. With the treaty, the British annexed the Southern parts of the Gold
Coast which it referred to as the Crown Colony. The treaty enjoined the Ashatis
to renounce their “overlordship” over Edina and some other coastal states.
The use of Laws
The British also made use of laws in their quest to gain complete
control over the colonies. The Colonial Validity Law of 1865, for example, gave
approval for the establishment of political and legal institutions in the Gold
Coast.
Establishment of political institutions
British control over the Gold Coast was also achieved through
the creation of political institutions with jurisdiction over the territories.
They established, for example, the Legislative and Executive Councils. These
two institutions were tasked with the duty of making laws for the administration
of the land and formulating policies and implementing them respectively. They
also created a judicial system with a Supreme Court at the helm to administer
justice for all.
Acquisition of the Protectorates
After the Asantewa war of 1900 and 1901, the British passed
an Order-in-Council under which Ashanti was annexed. There Northern territories
were acquired through another treaty. Under this treaty, the British gave the
northern territories protection against slave raiders and thus completed her total
control over the entire land mass of the Gold Coast.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight any five measures taken by the British to
establish political control in the Gold Coast.
2. Outline the steps taken by the British to gain control
over their territories in the Gold Coast.
