What was the first step in Ghana’s independence?
A. Kwame Nkrumah became the prime minister.
B. A military coup seized power in the colony.
C. Africans gained a majority in the parliament.
D. Opposition political parties were banned.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Africans gained a majority in the parliament.
Ghana’s journey toward independence from British colonial rule began in the early 20th century, culminating in a significant turning point when Africans gained a majority in the Legislative Assembly in 1951. This development was a result of persistent activism and agitation for political reform, driven primarily by the leadership of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and later the Convention People’s Party (CPP), led by Kwame Nkrumah.
Before this shift, the Legislative Assembly was dominated by British officials and a few elected Africans who had limited power. The British colonial administration had been resistant to granting substantial political rights to the local population. However, growing discontent among Ghanaians, fueled by economic hardships and the global wave of decolonization following World War II, led to increasing demands for self-governance.
In the 1951 elections, a significant change occurred: the CPP won a majority of the seats, largely due to its campaign promises of self-governance and social reforms. This victory marked a crucial moment in Ghana’s political landscape, as it allowed Africans to assert their rights and take a more active role in governance. Kwame Nkrumah became the prime minister, representing the first time a native African held such a significant position of power in the colony.
While options A, B, and D represent key events in Ghana’s history, they occurred after the initial step of gaining parliamentary majority. Nkrumah’s rise to power and subsequent policies further accelerated the push toward independence, leading to the eventual declaration of independence on March 6, 1957. Thus, the achievement of a majority in parliament was pivotal, as it set the stage for broader political changes and the eventual liberation from colonial rule.