WEEK 3: SOCIO - ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF THE ANCIENT GHANA EMPIRE

The empire was ruled by a king who had the total economic, financial and commercial power over the whole realm. As the empire grew, Ghana's kings proceeded to use the wealth generated to fund the empire. They also used the funds to sponsor their powerful army and conquered more lands, especially thriving trade cities. The more they conquered trade centres and took over their trades, the better the financial and economic revenue accrued by the kings of the ancient Ghana Empire.

The kings encouraged agriculture. Before the empire became famous for gold and salt trades, it was an agricultural society and a food basket. The empire had farmers who had continuous, bountiful harvests, and they united to form a farmers' trade union. From there, the land became known for its farm produce.

Taxes were imposed on both local and foreign residents of the empire. For government revenue, the people paid taxes to the king. Also, smaller kingdoms under the empire had to pay tributes for their economic security and continuous administration.

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