| It has taken a long time, but things are coming full circle in Ghana. When it achieved independence under a charismatic leader, most observers predicted the best: economic prosperity, grass-roots democracy, a world role.... That, alas, is not what happened. There was little democracy, the economy was ruined, and few cared what went on in Ghana. Indeed, from a position of leadership in many fields, it fell behind less promising African states. Now, finally, there is some positive news. The economy shows signs of improvement, the multiparty elections were tolerable, and an opposition emerged. Ghana is even praised in certain circles as an example to be followed rather than one to be shunned. |
| So, this book appears at a very opportune moment. For it covers not only the pre-colonial period, colonization, and the struggle for independence but more of the post-independence woes and the still tentative upturn. It includes numerous entries on the major players and others on crucial events and essential institutions. There is information on the economy, society and culture, key geographical features, and prominent ethnic groups. Ghana's long history is documented further in an extensive chronology stretching from the first inhabitants to the latest political events. And, to learn more, there is a list of acronyms and abbreviations, a vital guide for a country where they abound. |
| This second edition of the HistoricalDictionaryofGhana was written by David Owusu-Ansah. Born and educated in Ghana, and then the United States, Dr. Owusu-Ansah initially taught in Ghana, and then the United States. He is presently associate professor of history at James Madison University. He has thus had more opportunities than most to study the country, to observe its successes and failures and also to explain them to others as a teacher, lecturer, panelist and author. He |
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