The Ghana Empire was one of the first and most powerful empires in West Africa. It existed between the 4th and 13th centuries A.D. The empire was found in parts of what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. Ghana was famous for its wealth, strong leadership, trade, and gold. The word “Ghana” means “Warrior King” or “King of Gold”.

The empire was located in West Africa, between the Sahara Desert in the north and forests in the south.

Its position on the trade routes helped it control the trade of gold, salt, and other goods.

The capital city of the empire was Koumbi Saleh, which became a major trading center.

The empire had a king called Ghana who had the highest power.

The king was helped by:

• Ministers


• Governors who looked after provinces


• Military leaders

Ghana had a strong army to protect the empire.

Society had different groups of people:

• King and royal family


• Nobles and chiefs


• Farmers, traders, and artisans


• Slaves

a. Trade

• Trade was very important for Ghana’s wealth.


• Ghana had a lot of gold which it traded for salt, cloth, and beads from North Africa.


• Other goods traded included ivory, kola nuts, and slaves.


• Traders came from North Africa, bringing their goods to Ghana.


• Koumbi Saleh, the capital, had big markets for both local and foreign traders.

b. Farming

• Most people were farmers.


• They grew millet, sorghum, rice, and vegetables.


• They also kept cattle, goats, and sheep.


• Farming gave food for the people and for traders.

• People in Ghana followed traditional African religions. They worshipped ancestors and nature gods.


• Later, Islam came to Ghana through North African traders.


• The king allowed both traditional religion and Islam to exist peacefully.

1. Ghana became very rich because of trade in gold and salt.


2. It had a strong army that kept the empire safe.


3. People in Ghana traded with North Africa and other countries.


4. The empire had organized government with ministers and governors.


5. Ghana had large cities and markets, especially in Koumbi Saleh.

1. Its position on trade routes helped it control trade.


2. Gold mines made Ghana rich.


3. Strong army and government kept peace and order.


4. Good farmland supported people and trade.


5. Ghana had good relations with traders and neighboring states.

1. Invasion by the Almoravids weakened the empire.


2. Weak leadership and fights inside the empire.


3. Trade routes changed, making Ghana less rich.


4. Drought and farming problems caused food shortage.


5. Rise of Mali Empire took over Ghana’s power.

1. Ghana influenced later empires like Mali and Songhai.


2. It showed how to have organized government, trade, and army.


3. The wealth of Ghana made it famous in North Africa and Europe.


4. Ghana’s trading and Islamic culture influenced West Africa for many years.