African Political Systems: Indirect Rule and Democratic Processes

Abstract

DEMOCRACY, in the Western sense of government by a central legislative body nominated by the people, is, with the exception of Liberia, a recent development in West Africa. To date, the European colonies that have made the greatest strides in this direction have been the Gold Coast and Nigeria. It is incorrect, however, to assume that democratic processes are foreign to the area, for the people of the Guinea Coast have long had a voice in political affairs, as a high degree of democracy is present in the indigenous culture. It is this native political structure, the changes resulting from European colonial government, and the reaction of the people to elections and to representative government that will be discussed in this paper. The area dealt with is primarily the Gold Coast Colony and Ashanti, formerly the two southern administrative districts of the Gold Coast. With the exception of the southeastern part of the colony, the people are Akan, who number approximately two million. The Akan exhibit a high degree of cultural homogeneity, and the various tribal groupings speak mutually intelligible dialects. Since the Gold Coast is as close, if not closer, to selfgovernment than any other colonial area in Africa, it is probable that many of the problems encountered in this colony are present, or will develop, in other parts of Africa. The field research on which this paper is based was carried out during 1950-1951 in the Gold Coast. The materials presented were obtained by techniques adaptable for use by one investigator among small groups. The majority of the data was secured by directed interviews with individuals, though non-directed discussion, particularly in regard to politics, was also a major source of information. Some important material was obtained by observation of daily routine, meetings, and special events of the African. Relevant information was secured from Europeans of the area, including those outside the civil service as well as government employees. Local newspapers contributed considerable data. The writer has attempted to keep abreast of developments in the area, and recent relevant material was obtained from newspapers, government publications, by correspondence, as well as through interviews with Europeans and Africans who have recently arrived in this country from Africa. During field work, a study of acculturation inevitably led to a consideration of governmental problems. The writer was also present during the implementation of the new constitution for the Gold Coast, including