SOCIO - POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE ANCIENT GHANA EMPIRE

WEEK 2

TOPIC: SOCIO - POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE ANCIENT GHANA EMPIRE

The ancient Ghana Empire operated a monarchical system of government. The kings expanded the empire by warring against lesser kingdoms and bringing them under their rule. The kings saw themselves as those who possessed total authority over the land, and their power was absolute. Their power went unchecked and unbalanced, as the empire had no set laws or written constitution to properly delegate power and responsibilities.

The kings allowed some smaller towns to have their autonomy. Rulers of smaller towns and villages who offered truce or willingly surrendered to the kings were allowed to retain and control their territories, but they had to pay tributes to the kings to avoid attacks or sanctions. For some major conquered kingdoms, especially lands with thriving economies, the kings installed loyal rulers and subjects who acted as intermediaries between them and the people of the land from whom the kings collected regular taxes.

In terms of dispensing justice, the kings presided over cases, depending on their relevance to some members of the royal court. From time to time, the kings of the empire would treat cases and dispense justice as they deemed fit.

To get funds to run the empire, the kings collected taxes and tributes. The kings controlled the gold trade to prevent economic loss and mishandling of funds. They also controlled the gold trade to enrich themselves and properly regulate the value of gold and gold products. Thus, the major economy of the empire, which was in gold and salt trades were government-controlled. With the revenues generated, the kings administered and ruled the ancient Ghana Empire.