'The Time When Politics Came': Ghana's Decolonisation from the Perspective of a Rural Periphery

Lentz, Carola

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Title:	'The Time When Politics Came': Ghana's Decolonisation from the Perspective of a Rural Periphery
Author:	Lentz, Carola
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:	20
Issue:	2
Period:	July
Pages:	245-274
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	political change decolonization traditional rulers local councils colonialism History and Exploration Politics and Government Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External links:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0258900022000005197 http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=FT28GYG6X6D5U3XDT4K6
Abstract:	Based on research carried out in Ghana in the Lawra District and Upper-West Region and in the relevant archives in Tamale, Accra, London and Oxford between 1988 and 1996, the author discusses political developments in the Lawra District of northwestern Ghana which took place during decolonization and have since then influenced political power relations as well as interpretation of events in the local and regional arena. Northern politicians wanted to hold on to the status of protectorate while dominant African political elites in the southern part of the country had long since decided on early independence. Although northern political demands were not realized, politicians in the south were forced to make concessions and during that period, the stage was set for the 'quota'-like policy still in effect today. The author focuses on the interplay of local, regional and national dynamics in the politics of decolonization, as evidenced amongst others in party politics, noting that in most cases, the links to a party established in 1954 and 1956 are still effective today. She also discusses the question of postcolonial continuity or transformation of the chieftaincy, noting that the chiefdoms that had been created during colonial times were decisive for the organization of new institutions in local government, the local and district councils. Bibliogr., notes, ref.