Ghana's First Republic 1960-1966: The Pursuit of the Political Kingdom

Kwame Nkrumah's experiment with Pan-Africanism and socialism led to the destruction of his Republic and his hopes, resulting in a bizarre and paralysing mixture of despotism and anarchy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1976, this book delves into one of the most pivotal and vibrant chapters in the history of Black Africa during the 20th century. Kwame Nkrumah, the dynamic leader who led Ghana to independence in 1957, abandoned the Westminster model of representative government, which his country had previously seemed to embrace. Instead, he embraced the goals of Pan-Africanism and socialism, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of political action to rejuvenate his people and their continent. However, his vision of a "political kingdom" proved to be short-lived, leading to the destruction of his Republic and his aspirations.

In order to examine the political life, parliament, civil service, farmers, workers, and army in Ghana's first Republic, the author employs the latest evidence available at the time. Through this comprehensive analysis, the author argues that Nkrumah's experiment failed because his rule was strong enough to distort traditional values but lacked the ability to transform them. As a result, a peculiar and paralyzing mixture of despotism and anarchy emerged, defying conventional political analysis.

This book offers a valuable insight into the complexities of African politics and the challenges faced by leaders who seek to reshape their nations. It sheds light on the destructive consequences of pursuing ideological agendas at the expense of preserving cultural and societal norms. It serves as a cautionary tale for future generations, reminding us of the importance of balance, compromise, and respect for diverse perspectives in shaping the future of our world.

Weight: 850g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032622309