Overview

Ghana, the former British colony of the Gold Coast, is historically known for being the first country to the south of the Sahara to attain political independence from colonial rule. It is known for its exports of cocoa and a variety of minerals, especially gold, and it is now an oil exporting country. But Ghana’s importance to the African continent is not only seen in its natural resources or its potential to expand its agricultural output. Rather the nation’s political history of nationalism, the history of military engagement in politics, record of economic depression and the ability to rise from the ashes of political and economic decay is the most unique character of the country. This fourth edition of Historical Dictionary of Ghana covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 900 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Ghana.

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9780810872424

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Reviews

This fourth edition marks Owusu-Ansah's third contribution as the author of this dictionary in 19 years. The third edition was published in 2005, and the second, with Daniel McFarland, in 1995–constituting rapid-fire succession for this African series. Nearby Benin (Historical Dictionary of Benin, by M. Houngnikpo and S. Decalo, 4th ed., and Burkina Faso (Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso, by L. Rupley et al., 3rd ed., went 18 and 15 years between editions, respectively. The overall size of this new volume is not much larger than the last; however, nine years of events and personalities have been added, for a total of 900-plus entries. Additionally, some older entries were updated, reedited, or removed altogether. Overall, this work covers Ghana well, giving beginning researchers quick access to the main themes and issues surrounding the nation's past and present. . . .Libraries supporting extensive African studies collections should consider this new edition. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE * In the fourth edition of the Historical Dictionary of Ghana, David Owusu-Ansah. . . .provides a compendium of information about the West African nation of Ghana that will stand the test of time and historicity. This, to me, as a publication of consequence and unlimited importance, confirms the publisher' promise ti the general reader as well as experts, including researchers and students, that its historical dictionaries 'present essential information on a broad range of subjects'. . . .This publication should be useful for college students, researchers, and general readers. * Africa Today *

This fourth edition marks Owusu-Ansah's third contribution as the author of this dictionary in 19 years. The third edition was published in 2005, and the second, with Daniel McFarland, in 1995-constituting rapid-fire succession for this African series. Nearby Benin (Historical Dictionary of Benin, by M. Houngnikpo and S. Decalo, 4th ed., and Burkina Faso (Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso, by L. Rupley et al., 3rd ed., went 18 and 15 years between editions, respectively. The overall size of this new volume is not much larger than the last; however, nine years of events and personalities have been added, for a total of 900-plus entries. Additionally, some older entries were updated, reedited, or removed altogether. Overall, this work covers Ghana well, giving beginning researchers quick access to the main themes and issues surrounding the nation's past and present...Libraries supporting extensive African studies collections should consider this new edition...Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. CHOICE

This fourth edition marks Owusu-Ansah's third contribution as the author of this dictionary in 19 years. The third edition was published in 2005, and the second, with Daniel McFarland, in 1995-constituting rapid-fire succession for this African series. Nearby Benin (Historical Dictionary of Benin, by M. Houngnikpo and S. Decalo, 4th ed., and Burkina Faso (Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso, by L. Rupley et al., 3rd ed., went 18 and 15 years between editions, respectively. The overall size of this new volume is not much larger than the last; however, nine years of events and personalities have been added, for a total of 900-plus entries. Additionally, some older entries were updated, reedited, or removed altogether. Overall, this work covers Ghana well, giving beginning researchers quick access to the main themes and issues surrounding the nation's past and present. . . .Libraries supporting extensive African studies collections should consider this new edition. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE * In the fourth edition of the Historical Dictionary of Ghana, David Owusu-Ansah. . . .provides a compendium of information about the West African nation of Ghana that will stand the test of time and historicity. This, to me, as a publication of consequence and unlimited importance, confirms the publisher' promise ti the general reader as well as experts, including researchers and students, that its historical dictionaries 'present essential information on a broad range of subjects'. . . .This publication should be useful for college students, researchers, and general readers. * Africa Today *

Author Information

David Owusu-Ansah is professor of history at James Madison University where he has taught for almost thirty years. He is the author of earlier editions of the Historical Dictionary of Ghana and his most recent publication, co-authored with Abdulai Iddrisu and Mark Sey, is Islamic Learning, the State and the Challenges of Education in Ghana (2013).

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