• African Studies

    African Studies (26)

  • Postcolonial Theory

    Postcolonial Theory (3)

  • Urban Studies: Theory and Philosophy

    Urban Studies: Theory and Philosophy (6)

  • History of Ashanti by Otumfuo, Nana Osei Agyeman Prempeh II (Hardcover)

    History of Ashanti is unusual, perhaps unique, in that it provides a long historical account of the great West African forest kingdom of Asante by a ruler of that society. Thus, it is African history written by an African king and his assistants. This is, without a doubt, a very important document for historians of Africa. It has too a much wider resonance at the present time: here the Asante ‘voice’ is speaking directly to all those across the globe who claim ancestral links to the African continent, and who are still engaged in the struggle to define, to strengthen and to assert their identities in a world that long discounted the value, or even the existence, of their historical experience.

  • ‘The History of Ashanti Kings and the Whole Country Itself’ and Other Writings

    The History of Ashanti Kings and the Whole Country Itself is a key text for understanding the history of the great West African kingdom of Asante (now in Ghana). It is also an early–and perhaps the earliest–example of history writing in English by an African ruler and his amanuenses. It was begun in 1907 in the Seychelles on the instructions of the Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I, who had been in British captivity with his family since 1896, during which time he had acquired proficiency in English.

    The chief source of information was his mother the Asantehemaa Yaa Kyaa, who possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the oral history of her own lineage, which was also the royal dynasty of Asante. The result is an indispensably detailed document that charts the history of the Asante monarchy from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. Context is provided by the inclusion of other writings by or about Agyeman Prempeh, together with four introductory essays by the world’s leading scholars of Asante history.

    This fascinating volume evokes the rich historical experience of a renowned kingdom, and is of compelling interest to all concerned with the production of indigenous historical knowledge in Africa.

  • The Fall of The Asante Empire: The Hundred -Year War for Africa’s Gold Coast

    In 1817, the first British envoy to meet the king of the Asante of West Africa was dazzled by his reception. A group of 5,000 Asante soldiers, many wearing immense caps topped with three foot eagle feathers and gold ram’s horns, engulfed him with a “zeal bordering on phrensy,” shooting muskets into the air. The envoy was escorted, as no fewer than 100 bands played, to the Asante king’s palace and greeted by a tremendous throng of 30,000 noblemen and soldiers, bedecked with so much gold that his party had to avert their eyes to avoid the blinding glare. Some Asante elders wore gold ornaments so massive they had to be supported by attendants. But a criminal being lead to his execution – hands tied, ears severed, knives thrust through his cheeks and shoulder blades – was also paraded before them as a warning of what would befall malefactors. This first encounter set the stage for one of the longest and fiercest wars in all the European conquest of Africa. At its height, the Asante empire, on the Gold Coast of Africa in present-day Ghana, comprised three million people and had its own highly sophisticated social, political, and military institutions. Armed with European firearms, the tenacious and disciplined Asante army inflicted heavy casualties on advancing British troops, in some cases defeating them. They won the respect and admiration of British commanders, and displayed a unique willingness to adapt their traditional military tactics to counter superior British technology. Even well after a British fort had been established in Kumase, the Asante capital, the indigenous culture stubbornly resisted Europeanization, as long as the “golden stool,” the sacred repository of royal power, remained in Asante hands. It was only after an entire century of fighting that resistance ultimately ceased.

  • Education in Ghana: History and Politics

    This book answers the need for a more comprehensive and up-to-date volume addressing key topics, areas and problems of the Ghanaian education system. The book brings together different strands of some of the most imperative and complex educational questions. It is the first collection of essays on education in Ghana that brings together Ghanaian and international authors who research some of the most relevant educational questions, focusing on history, policy, and curriculum-related issues.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Fufu Dish (1000 Puzzle Pieces)

    Fufu is a popular staple food in Ghana made from starchy root vegetables like cassava, yams, or plantains, boiled and pounded into a dough-like/pasty consistency.

    It is a versatile dish, served with a variety of soups and plays a significant cultural role, symbolizing communal dining and togetherness. Regional variations of Fufu may exist.

    Fufu offers energy and it is a cultural experience, making it a beloved and nutritious part of Ghanaian cuisine.

  • Beem Explores Africa

    Age Range: 7 – 14 years

    Beem Explores Africa follows a young Nigerian girl, Beem, as she explores the continent of Africa, meets its people and animals, and visits its key geographical and historical sites.

    The book introduces children to the physical and human geography of Africa. It has easy-to-read text, a glossary to explain key geographical terms, and vivid hand-painted illustrations.

    Beem Explores Africa also encourages in children a sense of adventure, tolerance of cultural difference, and responsibility for nature.

  • An African Abroad: A Travel Memoir

    When Ajala is not escaping an assassination attempt and dodging the bullets of eager security agents around the Duke of Edinburgh in Sydney, he is crashing his scooter, amid a hail of gunfire, through a border between Jordan and Israel—or he is cutting through security to shake the hands of Nikita Khrushchev. And when Ajala is not trying ‘African ju-ju’ on pretty Russian girls, he is enjoying a tense audience with Golda Meir in Israel and hobnobbing with Fúnmiláyọ̀ Ransome-Kútì in Moscow.

    The Original One-Man Daredevil-Traveller, Moshood Ọlábísí Àjàlá saw it all, did it all, and lived to tell the tale. Now back in print for the first time since 1963, here are the travel stories of his trips around Europe, the Middle East, and Australia as told by the man himself. This new edition comes with a preface by Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún and a foreword by Joane Àjàlá.

  • The Pen at Risk: Spilling My Little Beans

    “The Pen at Risk is more than a memoir. It is a piece of authentic, ungarnished history by a writer and public intellectual who is too modest to accept the title of a historian, but who witnessed and chronicled the most intriguing epochs of Ghana’s national life. Laced with the innate Fante humour, this book is a piece of deep but entertaining non-fiction that is told with the demystified simplicity of one of Ghana’s greatest academics and writers. Kwesi Yankah is a gift to humanity, and this memoir is a greater gift to an unfortunate generation like mine that did not live in the era of the incisive writings of the great Kwatriot.” – Manasseh Azure Awuni, Editor-in-Chief, The Fourth Estate

    “When a citizen who has spent his whole life scrutinising society, turns the spotlight on himself, the risks include this epic engagement that spares no one, him included. In this bare-it-all memoir, the Yankah enigma is fully bared, warts and all.  As it turns out, Yankah has had more than his fair share of privileged roles, ultimately impacting the national narrative. The richness of ethnography here, is as riveting as his urban-savvy accounts of the intrigues of university and national politics. While we watch him weave his wizardry of words, we are also awed by the totality of his humanity. The Pen at Risk is a hilarious package of eruditions. It is about the exalted gossips of our Motherland. The narratives are so sweet they hurt. If this isn’t the best book you have read in years, call me illiterate.” – Kofi Akpabli, Scholar, Author, Journalist

    “In this memoir, Kwesi Yankah  delivers a sparkling tableau of key aspects of his life, tabling his charmed childhood and amazing trajectory as an academic. He then rolls out his long stint as an audacious social commentator and columnist for leading papers (which may have put his pen at risk). With a penmanship characterized by a keen eye for detail, this autobiography is an entertaining and captivating book that should be read by all interested in media and social history as well as autobiography as a literary genre.” – Professor Mansah Prah, University of Cape Coast

    “Intriguing, revealing, and brilliant. The Pen at Risk is unvarnished introspection beautifully strung together with anecdotes in a way that is vibrant and colorful. Kwesi Yankah’s work is a refreshingly modest invitation to see life through a different lens, even for a fleeting moment.” – Dr Obeng Amoako Edmonds, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Nkrumah Mausoleum (216 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    The Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra, Ghana, is a significant landmark honouring Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a key figure in the country’s independence movement. It serves as a tribute to Nkrumah’s legacy and houses a museum showcasing his life and achievements.

    The mausoleum is architecturally significant, symbolizing Ghana’s quest for freedom with its black star-shaped design. It stands as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and is an important educational resource for understanding Ghana’s history and Nkrumah’s contributions. The mausoleum also hosts commemorative events, preserving the memory and ideals of Nkrumah and his role in Ghanaian and African history.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Ghana’s Coastline (140 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    Ghana’s Coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, offering a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities. In this picture we find a boy playing on the beaches of Sanzule. Labadi Beach in Accra is popular and vibrant, while Busua Beach in the Western Region is known for its golden sands and surfing opportunities. Kokrobite Beach near Accra has a bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife.

    The Ada area features beaches along the Volta estuary, ideal for water activities. Anomabo Beach in the Central Region is tranquil and historically significant, and Axim Beach in the Western Region offers serene setting. Cape Coast Beach combines history with natural beauty. These beaches showcase Ghana’s coastal splendour, providing opportunities for relaxation, water sports and cultural experiences.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Boti Falls (140/216 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    Boti Falls is a captivating twin waterfall located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Nestled in the Boti Forest Reserve, it offers natural beauty, accessibility and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque waterfall and its surrounding greenery, explore different viewing platforms and admire the Umbrella Rock formation nearby.

    The falls hold sacred importance and are associated with traditional rituals. Picnic areas provide opportunities for relaxation, and the area is known for its vibrant Kente weaving industry. Boti Falls is a serene and refreshing destination that showcases Ghana’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Ada Foah (216 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    Ada Foah is a town in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana. It is known for its beautiful beaches, where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The town has a vibrant fishing community and offers opportunities to witness local fishing activities. Visitors can go on boat trips, and visit nearby islands.

    Ada Foah is a hub for ecotourism, with nature reserves and the Songor Lagoon attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The town also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ada people through traditional festivals and offers water sports activities and comfortable accommodation options. Ada Foah provides a serene and memorable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those interested in Ghana’s cultural heritage.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Cultural Regalia (500 Puzzle Pi0eces) – Pre-Order

    Cultural regalia in Ghana holds deep significance as it represents the identity, traditions and heritage of different ethnic groups. It carries symbolic meaning, is worn during important ceremonies, and connects present generations to their ancestors.

    Cultural regalia preserves traditional craftsmanship, attracts tourism, and fosters community cohesion. It serves as a visual expression of cultural pride and plays a vital role in preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Cape Coast Castle (216 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    Cape Coast Castle is a historic fortress located in the town of Cape Coast, a city in the Central Region of Ghana. It was built by the Swedes in 1653 but was later captured and expanded by the British in 1664. The castle played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade and served as a major hub for the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas.

    The castle’s imposing structure, with its thick walls and cannons, served as a symbol of European power and dominance in the region. It was strategically positioned on the promontory overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, allowing for easy control and monitoring of maritime activities.

    Within the castle’s walls, enslaved Africans were held captive in cramped dungeons under inhumane conditions. The “Door of No Return” is a poignant feature of Cape Coast Caste, as it represents the final exit point for enslaved Africans who were forced onto ships bound for the Americas, never to return to their homeland.

    Today, Cape Coast Castle stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a museum, preserving the memory and history of the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can explore the castle’s various chambers, including the slave dungeons, and gain insight into the harrowing experiences endured by millions of Africans during that dark period.

    Cape Coast Castle serves as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the slave trade and provides an opportunity for reflection and education about the important of human rights and social justice.

  • Abusua Pa Jigsaw Puzzle: Local Beads (216 Puzzle Pieces) – Pre-Order

    Local beads in Ghana hold immense cultural significance as they represent social status, ethnicity and heritage. They serve as visual language, conveying messages and symbolizing various meanings such as fertility, wealth, spirituality and social hierachy. Beads are integral to traditional ceremonies and rituals, bringing blessings and enhancing spiritual connections.

    They also contribute to Ghana’s economy through artisanal production and trade. Local beads have found a place in contemporary fashion while preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and promoting cultural preservation. Overall, Ghanaian beads are an essential part of the country’s identity and play a vital role in communication, cultural expression and economic activities.

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