History · 3 min read
The stool that was never meant to be sat on
It became a symbol of a people, a political idea and a nation’s soul.
The Ghana Story library
Start with the story behind the place.
A growing, source-backed encyclopedia of Ghana told through people, culture, history and the places visitors can still experience today.
Browse by story world
Then narrow by lens
More filters · Documented history
History · 3 min read
A governor asked for a seat, and a war followed
Yaa Asantewaa turned a political crisis into one of the best-known acts of resistance in Ghanaian history.
Places · 3 min read
The coast that began with gold and became a global memory
They were built along a coast already connected to African markets, diplomacy and inland gold.
Diaspora · 3 min read
The scholar who came to die in Accra
His final chapter shows why independent Ghana became a centre of Black intellectual and political life.
People · 3 min read
Six shillings, marmalade and a global women’s bank
Her story is not a motivational shortcut. It is a lesson about processing, credit, knowledge and economic independence.
People · 2 min read
The Miracles of Okomfo Anokye
Awukugua in the Eastern Region, his birthplace, where several of the sites are shown to visitors.
History · 2 min read
The Hundred Years of the Anglo-Asante Wars
Fort Kumasi (Kumasi Fort and Military Museum); the coastal forts at Cape Coast, Elmina and Anomabo.
Culture · 2 min read
What a Stool Is
Any palace stool room; the Manhyia Palace Museum; the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, outside Kumasi.
People · 2 min read
The Queen Mother
Manhyia, Kumasi; any durbar, where the ɔhemaa sits with her own retinue.
History · 2 min read
The Wall at Notsie: how the Ewe walked out backwards
Anloga, and the Hogbetsotso festival there in early November.
History · 2 min read
The Red Hunter and the Founding of Dagbon
Yendi, seat of the Ya-Naa; the Damba festival; the shrine of Naa Gbewaa at Pusiga in the Upper East.
Economy · 2 min read
Begho and the Gold Road
The Begho archaeological area near Hani; Techiman market, which sits on the same trade axis it always did.
Economy · 2 min read
The Weights: gold, proverbs, and the smallest sculptures in the world
The National Museum, Accra; Manhyia Palace Museum, Kumasi; the brass casters at Krofofrom, near Kumasi.
History · 2 min read
The Big Six and the Road to 1957
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Accra; Christiansborg/Osu Castle; the Independence Arch at Black Star Square.
Diaspora · 2 min read
The Ones Who Came: Du Bois, Angelou, and Accra in the Sixties
The W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture, Cantonments, Accra — his house, his library, and his grave.
Diaspora · 2 min read
PANAFEST and Emancipation Day
July–August, biennially for PANAFEST; 1 August for Emancipation Day
History · 2 min read
Osei Tutu: the hostage who came back
Manhyia Palace Museum, Kumasi; Feyiase, south of Kumasi.
History · 2 min read
Under the Kum Tree: how Kumasi got its name
Kumasi; Bantama; and Kumawu, an hour northeast.
History · 2 min read
Ndewura Jakpa and the Making of Gonja
Damongo, seat of the Yagbonwura; Old Buipe; Salaga; the Jakpa Palace.
History · 2 min read
The Constitution That Was Written and Then Was Not Allowed
Mankessim, where they met.
History · 2 min read
The Broker of Anomabo
Fort William, Anomabo — still standing, and for a long time a working prison.
People · 2 min read
The Man Who Preached at the Castle for Fifty Years
Cape Coast Castle. He is buried in the courtyard.
Economy · 2 min read
Six Pods in a Pocket
The Tetteh Quarshie farm at Mampong-Akuapem; and every cocoa farm in Ghana.
History · 2 min read
The Statue With No Head
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra. Both pieces are there.