Some Outstanding Events in the History of Ghana
1482 —Portuguese Build Fort Sao Jorge d’Elmina
The Portuguese establish Fort Sao Jorge d’Elmina, the first major European castle on the Gold Coast.
1533 — First English Traders Arrive on the Gold Coast
The first English traders arrive on the Gold Coast to begin trade relations
1533 — English traders arriving by ship on the Gold Coast during the 16th century
1642 — Dutch soldiers attacking Portuguese positions along the Gold Coast in 1642.
The Dutch seize control of Portuguese territories on the Gold Coast.
1697 — Rise of the Ashanti Kingdom Under Osei Tutu
Osei Tutu begins his reign and lays the foundation of the Ashanti Empire.
1697 — The beginning of Osei Tutu’s reign and the rise of Ashanti
1752 — Reverend Thomas Thompson Arrives in Cape Coast
Reverend Thomas Thompson arrives at Cape Coast as an early Christian missionary
1827 — British Crown Takes Over Gold Coast Settlements
The British Crown officially assumes control of Gold Coast settlements.
Signing of the Bond of 1844
British officials and traditional chiefs signing the Bond of 1844 on the Gold Coast.
1850 —Danes Sell Their Forts to the British
Danish officials handing over forts on the Gold Coast to British authorities.
1850 —First Legislative and Executive Councils Formed
The Gold Coast establishes its first Legislative and Executive Councils.
1867 — Formation of the Fante Confederation
Fante leaders unite to establish the Fante Confederation.
1872 —Dutch Leave the Gold Coast
The Dutch officially leave the Gold Coast after transferring their forts to Britain.
1874 — Gold Coast Declared a British Colony
The Gold Coast officially becomes a British colony.
1877 — Capital Moved from Cape Coast to Accra
Accra becomes the new capital of the Gold Coast in 1877
1879 — Tetteh Quarshie Introduces Cocoa to the Gold Coast
Tetteh Quarshie introduces cocoa farming to the Gold Coast.
1901 — Ashanti Becomes a British Colony
Ashanti and the Northern Territories come under British colonial rule.
1902 — Formation of the Colony of the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Colony, Ashanti, and Northern Territories become one colony.
1919 September 1st — British Togoland Administered with Gold Coast
British Togoland is placed under the administration of the Gold Coast.
1925 January 1st —Provincial Councils of Chiefs Established
Provincial Councils of Chiefs are established to strengthen local governance.
1946 June 1st— Burns Constitution and Legislative Council Reform
The Burns Constitution introduces unofficial majority representation in the Legislative Council.
1951 — Introduction of Ministerial Government
The Gold Coast establishes a system of ministerial government.
1954 — Gold Coast Gains Internal Affairs Control
The Gold Coast gains control over most of its internal affairs.
1957 6th March— Ghana Independence Day Celebration
The Gold Coast becomes independent Ghana on 6th March 1957.
1957 8th March— Ghana Admitted to the United Nations
Ghana becomes a member of the United Nations shortly after independence.
1957 July — Dr. Nkrumah at Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah becomes the first African Prime Minister to attend the conference.
1958 April—Conference of Independent African States in Accra
African leaders gather in Accra to discuss unity and independence.
1958 14th July —Introduction of Ghana’s National Currency
Ghana introduces its own national currency after independence
1958 November — Union of Ghana and Guinea
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and President Sékou Touré celebrating the union of Ghana and Guinea.
1960 1st July — Ghana Becomes a Republic Under Nkrumah
Ghana becomes a republic with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as President.
1961 November — Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit Ghana.
1966 24th February — Dr. Nkrumah is dismissed from the office of President of Ghana and the government is taken over by the National Liberation Council.
