Earlier today, I posted a notice that Ghana 1984 census data has been added at FamilySearch website. In searching other online news, I came across an article dealing with Ghanaian genealogy posted at TheRoot.com. Following is an excerpt of the first several paragraphs.
“How can I research Ghanaian genealogy online?” —Hillary Osei
Letting History Point You in the Right Direction
Before you begin your research in Ghana, or anywhere in West Africa, it is useful to have an understanding of the country’s history and how the ruling powers changed over time, since this will give you information that will guide your search for ancestors.
In 1957 the Republic of Ghana became the first West African nation to become completely independent from colonial rule. (Sudan was the first country in Africa south of the Sahara to gain independence, a year earlier, and parts of the country that we call Ethiopia were independent dating back to before the Christian era.)
Prior to this, the region was dominated by a variety of foreign colonial powers. The Portuguese were the first to establish a trade, in the 15th century. By the late 16th century, the Dutch had overtaken the Portuguese and set up trading centers of their own. Between the 17th and early 19th centuries, there were a variety of trading forts built and controlled by the Dutch, British, Danes and Swedes.
