The Empire of Ghana (Wagadu)

Prerequisites :

 Ghana : Warrior ruler in Ghanaian language

 Wagadu : Local naming for Ghana
 Nomads : The nomads of the Sahara are groups of people who traditionally live a
mobile lifestyle, moving across the vast desert region of North Africa. They rely on
herding livestock, such as camels, goats, and sheep, and often follow seasonal patterns
for grazing and trade. These nomadic groups include ethnic groups like the Tuareg,
Bedouins, and Berbers.

Introduction

The Empire of Ghana, a powerful and prosperous state in medieval West Africa, thrived
from around the 6th century to the 12th century. It played a key role in shaping the history of
the region, particularly in terms of its political systems, economic trade, cultural practices, and
religious traditions.

1. Periodization of the Empire of Ghana

The Empire of Ghana can be divided into several phases, each reflecting changes in its
political, economic, and military strength. The empire's origins trace back to the 6th century,
where it was initially a small but powerful kingdom known for its wealth, which was largely
derived from the trans-Saharan trade. The empire flourished between the 8th and 11th centuries,
becoming one of the most powerful states in West Africa. This golden age was marked by the
expansion of its territory, thriving commerce, and sophisticated systems of government.

The height of the empire's power and influence came in the 10th and early 11th centuries
when the Ghanaian rulers controlled a vast region spanning parts of modern-day Mali,
Mauritania, and Niger. The empire's decline began in the 12th century due to various factors,
including internal strife, pressure from external forces such as the Almoravid Berber invaders,
and environmental challenges like desertification. By the late 12th century, the Empire of Ghana
had fractured, with smaller kingdoms emerging in its wake.

2. Geography of the Empire of Ghana

 Geographically, the Empire of Ghana was located in the grasslands of the Sahel region, the
semi-arid zone just south of the Sahara Desert. This strategic location allowed the empire to
control the vital trans-Saharan trade routes that linked the Savannah region and the forest zones
in south Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire's territory included the
fertile lands along the Niger and Senegal rivers, in addition to the natural environment, with its
seasonal rains and vast savannahs, which provided essential agricultural resources.

3. Origins

The early inhabitants of the Empire of Ghana were primarily farmers who settled in the
Sahel region, gradually forming small communities. Over time, these communities
expanded into larger villages, benefiting from the advancements in ironworking technology.
A key development in their rise was the contact between the Soninke people and the Saharan
nomads, who introduced them to horses from North Africa. This exchange played a crucial
role in the establishment of the Kingdom of Ghana. By the 10th century, the kingdom had
grown into a powerful empire, dominating trade routes across the desert, the Sahel, and the
Savannah.

4. Religion in the Empire of Ghana

The religious landscape of the Empire of Ghana was diverse. Before the introduction of
Islam, the people of Ghana practiced indigenous African religions, African traditional religions,
that involved worshiping a variety of gods and spirits, with a strong emphasis on ancestor
veneration and nature worship. The king and the royal family often played the role of religious
leaders, ensuring harmony between the spiritual and political realms.

4.1. The Animist Religion : Python, a sacred religious symbol

In the African traditional religio-cultural worldview, animals are not regarded as inferior
creatures. Rather, they play important roles in spiritual, sacred, health, and identity matters.
Some animals and birds are seen as messengers, transmitting messages about life, death, social
order, and customs. In certain instances, specific animals are even believed to embody deities.

Pythons were regarded as symbols of fertility, strength, and protection. Their powerful and
silent movements often linked them to wisdom and spiritual authority. Religious practices
involved the veneration of pythons in sacred groves, where they were believed to embody the
spirits of ancestors or gods. Rituals might have been conducted to honor these creatures, and
harming a python could be considered a serious taboo, thought to bring misfortune or divine
punishment.

4.2.Islam

Islam's introduction to West Africa began in the 8th century, unfolding as a gradual and
complex process shaped by various factors. One key reason for conversion was economic, as
trade and commerce with North African merchants played a crucial role in the spread of Islam
across the region. These traders, many of whom were Muslim, acted as intermediaries,
promoting Islam in the process of exchanging goods. The second reason lay in the spiritual
appeal of Islam itself, which resonated with many West Africans due to its emphasis on
monotheism, ethical conduct, and social justice. Third, the spread of Arabic literacy
significantly influenced the region, especially in facilitating state-building and governance.
Islam's role evolved in three distinct periods in West Africa: first, containment under the Ghana
Empire, where Islam was present but not widely adopted; second, a period of mixing during the
Mali and Songhai Empires, where Islam became more integrated with local traditions and
governance; and finally, reform in the 19th century, when Islamic movements sought to purify
and strengthen the faith, leading to a deeper commitment to Islamic practices and governance.

In the first stage, during the Ghana Empire, African kings sought to contain the influence
of Islam by maintaining a clear separation between Muslim communities and the wider
population. While Islam had reached the region through trade and interactions with North
African merchants, the rulers of Ghana were cautious about allowing the religion to spread too
quickly or deeply into the traditional cultural and political structures. The kings tolerated the
presence of Muslims, particularly in the cities where they were involved in trade, but they
imposed limitations on the Muslim community, ensuring that Islam remained largely confined
to certain urban areas. Muslim traders were allowed to practice their faith and establish
mosques, but the rulers of Ghana largely maintained their indigenous religious practices and
resisted the widespread adoption of Islam, focusing instead on preserving the traditional animist
beliefs that had long been central to their authority. This separation allowed for a peaceful
coexistence, but it also ensured that Islam did not fully integrate into the political or social fabric
of the empire during this early period.

5. Politics of the Empire of Ghana

Important rulers : Dinga Cisse, Diabé Cisse
 The ancient Empire of Ghana operated under a monarchical and hierarchical system of
government. At the top of the political system was the king, known as the ghana, a title which
means "warrior king" in the local language.

The king serving as the head of the army and the final authority in matters of justice. He
also played a key role in religious worship, leading the people in ceremonies and rituals. The
king held court with his subjects, arriving in a grand procession accompanied by the rhythmic
sound of royal drums.

However, the king ruled with the assistance of a council of ministers and advisors who
helped manage different aspects of governance. These officials, who were paid from the
kingdom’s wealth, oversaw various aspects of Ghana's society, including the armed forces,
industry, tax collection, and dealings with foreigners. The king also appointed governors to
oversee key regions, such as the capital city and newly conquered territories.

Unlike many other monarchies, Ghana followed a matrilineal system of royal

inheritance, meaning that the throne passed through the king’s sister’s bloodline rather than his
son. As a result, the king’s nephew, the son of his sister, was typically the heir to the throne.

Some Muslims were appointed to key positions, such as advisors and administrators,
due to their skills in literacy, trade, and governance. Over time, the king recognized the value
of their knowledge, particularly in areas like finance, law, and diplomacy.

6. Economy of the Empire of Ghana

Main currency : cowries (Fig. 1)

Figure 1 : Cowries

The economy of the ancient Empire of Ghana was largely agrarian, with the majority of the
population engaged in farming. However, the empire’s wealth also came from its rich natural
resources, particularly gold, which was mined and became a major source of wealth. Ghana’s
strategic location between the salt mines of the Sahara and the gold fields of the forested regions
made it a key player in trans-Saharan trade. The empire’s traders exchanged gold, ivory, and
slaves for salt, textiles, and other goods from North Africa. To control and maximize this wealth,
the Ghanaian rulers imposed taxes on trade, ensuring that they profited from the flow of goods
through their lands. They also carefully limited the supply of gold, keeping its value high and
maintaining their monopoly over this precious resource, which further strengthened their
economic power.

7. Culture of the Empire of Ghana

Ghanaian culture was showcased through its art, music, and oral traditions. The people
were skilled craftsmen, known for their exceptional goldsmithing, as well as creating beautiful
textiles, pottery, and wooden sculptures. Music and dance were central to life, featuring
prominently in religious ceremonies, social events, and royal occasions. Storytelling also
played a key role, with history, myths, and social values passed down through oral narratives
and poetry.

 The "Great Snake Bida" (Fig. 2)

Figure 2 : The Black Snake

The Soninke people explained the wealth of the Ghana Empire through the folk tale of
Bida, the black snake, which demanded an annual sacrifice for prosperity. The empire's
downfall began when the nobles chose Siya Yatabare, a beautiful virgin, as the sacrifice. Siya's
fiancé, Maadi, promised to save her by killing the snake, despite her warning that doing so
would bring disaster. Maadi killed the snake, which cursed Wagadu with seven years of drought.
When Maadi was recognized for slaying the snake, his mother intervened, promising to take
responsibility for the empire's fate. After her death, the empire fell into drought, and the once-
prosperous Ghana Empire collapsed.

8. Decline

The decline of the Ghana Empire is often linked to several key factors. Scholars argue that
climate change played a role, as the once-wet climate in the Sahel region continued to
deteriorate, making farming increasingly difficult. In addition, political instability weakened
the empire, with infighting among officials and competition between royal brothers over the
throne, further dividing the leadership. These factors, combined with external pressures, led to
the eventual collapse of the empire.