"This is one of the best books reflecting on Ghana's half-a-century of often tumultuous transformation. Ivor Agyeman-Duah has gathered together a group of scholars, educators and government, business and civil society leaders to debate the trajectory of Ghana's economic history. Their views centre on three fundamental themes: structures and institutions in a postcolonial economy, the role of public policy, stimulus and innovation." "A timely volume as Ghana celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2007 under President Kufuor's 2-terms of eight-years of relatively peaceful democratic rule. Contributors include: Jeffrey D. Sachs, Anthony Akoto-Osei., Richard Anane, Joyce Aryee, Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey, Ernest Aryeetey, Moses Asaga, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gareth Austin, Annan Arkyin Cato, Mary Chinery-Hesse, T. Oteng-Gyasi, E. Gyimah-Boadi, Dirk-Jan Omtzigt, D.K. Osei, Isaac Osei, Nii Moi Thompson and Charles Wereko-Brobbey, et al." "This is unquestionably one of the best contemporary economic history books about Ghana drawing on the expertise and knowledge of Ghanaians as well as international experts and leading lights to reflect on 50 years of Ghana's economic challenges and achievements." "Contributors include leading economists such as Jeffrey D. Sachs, Earth Institute, Columbia University and Advisor to the UN Secretary General; eminent Ghanaian scholars such as Professor Ernest Aryeetey of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana; and Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chief Advisor to the President of Ghana. The contributors focus on three aspects: Structures and Institutions in a Postcolonial Economy: A Vampire Economy with a Silver Lining and Crossing the Jordon: Stimulation and Innovation with a Foreword by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka." "This volume will be a valuable tool for studies on African Economic History with specific emphasis on Ghana but could also double as a yardstick for comparing the economic histories of other well performing African economies such as Botswana, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Namibia and South Africa - according to the World Bank annual good governance rankings released in 2006."--BOOK JACKET.

Gocking provides a historical overview of Ghana from the emergence of precolonial states through increasing contact with Europeans that led to the establishment of formal colonial rule by Great Britian at the end of the 19th century. Colonial rule transformed what was known as the Gold Coast economically, socially, and politically, but it contained the seeds of its own demise. After World War II an increasingly more effective nationalist movement challenged British rule, and in 1957 Ghana became independent. Independence brought its own challenges the most important of which was the inability to maintain political stability. Within the space of 24 years there were four military coups and the collapse of three republics. Ghana's Fourth Republic, established in 1993, has dealt with the legacy of instability inherited from the past as it moves towards a more stable future. A timeline, photographs, maps, and an appendix of biographies of notable figures in the history of Ghana are included. Students and adults alike will find this book to be highly effective in describing the often turbulent and tumultuous history of this country.

The book follows a first edition published in 1989, which focused on the severe economic crisis Ghana faced during the late 1970s and the early 1980s. In this second edition, the authors extend the review up to the mid-2010s, covering the entire period since independence, with a special focus on shifts in economic policy, starting with the adoption of the Economic Recovery Programme in 1983. Huq and Tribe provide systematic coverage of Ghanaian economic development since its independence, reviewing the two main modes of development that have been practiced; and offer an updated, rich data bank. By analyzing the wider macroeconomy of Ghana; its individual sectors; money, banking and trade; infrastructure and environmental policies; and Ghana’s poverty, welfare and income distribution, the authors are able to draw vital lessons from the country’s economic development. ​

This volume assesses the challenges facing Ghana's economy as it enters its seventh decade and the nation heads towards three quarters of a century of independence.

As Ghana enters its second half-century, there is a perception of the failure of the economic and political system. This book analyses the reasons for this failure and sets out an agenda as the basis of the course that the nations' policy makers have to steer if Ghana is to fulfil the promise of its independence in 1957.

This is the standard account of the economic history of the vast area conventionally known as West Africa. Ranging from prehistoric time to independence it covers the former French as well as British colonies.