Setting the record straight: Ewes did not join Ghana in 1957

By Solomons Djaba-Mensah

According to historical records, it is common knowledge that the South-Eastern Coastal area of present-day Ghana, from Anlo through Tongu, up to Peki and Awudome, were part of the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast, way back in the year 1850.

Specifically, these areas came under British sphere of influence six (6) solid years after the signing of the Bond of 1844, with the Fante Chiefs, at Elmina.

Significantly, it is on record that after the defeat of France (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and her Allies in the Battle of Waterloo, the Danes, “Sold” this portion of land in the Volta Region, under their control in the aftermath of the Partition of Africa, to the English.

In a related development in Europe, even Norway, under Danish control for over 400 years, also passed over to the Swedes.

In effect nobody gave Ewes the chance to join Ghana in 1957. This area, essentially, became part of the Gold Coast by 1876.

Events leading to this were that, the Anlos and Ashantis signed separate Peace Treaties with the British after the Glover, and Sagrenti Wars, in 1874, respectively.

The Anlo-British Peace Treaty was signed at Dzelukope.

So, by 1876 this whole area of the Volta Region was already under British sphere of influence, and jurisdiction.

Consequently, the Anlo Chief Togbe Sri II, with Nana Ofori Atta I, of Akim Abuakwa, served in the Legislative Council from 1916-1942.

Notably, Ashanti and the Northern Territories were not part of the Legislative Council at this time. They were Protectorates administered separately by the Gold Coast Colony. It was rather in 1946, that the Allan Burns Constitution fully ensured that these areas, ie. Ashanti and the Northern Territories became part of the Gold Coast Colony.

Therefore, the Chiefs and people of this area of the Volta Region significantly contributed to the development of the Gold Coast, in their contributions to war efforts, and in the Legislative Council of the time; indeed to what subsequently became Ghana.

Furthermore, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, was very instrumental in Ghana’s independence struggles. In 1951, while in prison, it was Mr. K.A. Gbedemah, from the Volta Region, who became the Centrifugal Political figure who stood in Dr. Nkrumah’s stead to organize and strengthen the CPP, to campaign for Dr. Nkrumah’s victory, and onward to Ghana’s eventual historic Independence from Great Britain, in 1957.

Of late, there is talk about some people seeking to declare an Ewe Independence of Western Togoland in order to join the Republic of Togo. This is seriously misleading, woefully misdirected and pathetically misguided. It is most unfortunate, and very very sad.

Two Quick Questions;

First, what happens to the Konkonbas, Basares, Nkonya’s, Kabres, Kotokolis, Dagombas, etc most who were an integral part of Trans-Volta-Togoland?

Second, Is their move aimed at destroying mother Ghana? If so, then I most humbly appeal to the originators of such a destructive move to revise their history, and abort their plans before it is too late. This is because the latter is a Treasonable Felony against the State of Ghana.

Thank you.