the past has more to teach
Every year, books published on Ghana are classified. The George Padmore Library on African Affairs is responsible for compiling the Ghana National Bibliography, published on the Ghana Library Authorities’ official website.
The bibliography includes everything about Ghana (no matter where published) and everything by Ghanaians. Majority of the items are based on materials received under the Book and Newspaper Registration Act (Act 73) of 1961. However, this piece is focused on historical works on Ghana.
Many say, “the past has something to say”, but I say, “the past has more to teach.” A society without knowledge of its past is doomed! The study of the past is a rigorous exercise few people attempt. Meticulously, some men and women have committed their time and resources to continuously search the past to inform the people of Ghana. These studies on Ghana’s past include memoirs, biographies, autobiographies and the like.
Are you interested in learning from the past? Would you like to see Ghana from the perspective of others? Do you want to know books that unearth Ghana’s past? You are on the right page.
In 2023, the George Padmore Library on African Affairs, responsible for compiling the Ghana National Bibliography, classified 890 books. About 28 of these books serve as a lens to unveiling Ghana’s past. They hugely contribute to helping Ghanaians understand and learn from the past. These books are listed below.
Classified History Books 2023
1. General Acheampong: The Life and Times of Ghana’s Head of State by Baffour Agyeman-Duah
2. 1947-1957 The Story of Ghana Independence by Amihere-Blay Kabral
3. The Chronicles of The Black Stars Jersey: (A Historical Compilation of Football Kits Worn by The Ghana National Teams) (1951-2022) by Abdul Rashid Zakari and Kow Akyen Sackey
4. Winneba: Geography, Peoples and System by Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu and Jim Weiler
5. Foundations Of Agbozume: The Keta-Someawo in Ghana, A.D. 1000 – 1930 by Philip Atsu Afeadie.
6. History Of Dagbon and Dagomba by Ibrahim Mahama
7. Under The Tree of Liberation by Kodwo Amanfo Budu
8. Fire From the North: The Origins, Growth, Development and Influence of Assemblies of God
9. History of Christianity by Asamoah, Paul Johnson
10. Marvellous in our eyes: a history of Pentecost university by Emmanuel Apea
11. Serving Presidents and Royals: A Memoir of an African Chef by Yaa Asabea Owusu and Francis Kodjo Andoh-Otoo
12. The Pen at Risk: Spilling my Little Beans by Kwesi Yankah
13. The Valley of Memories by Maria Vanderpuye
14. The Lady in Boots: Memoirs of Ghana’s First Female Major General by Constance Emefa Edjeani-Afenu
15. Thank you Lord by Adeline Araba Ainooson
16 Memoirs from the Hilltop: Stories and Lessons from the School of Life by Kofi Otutu Adu Labi.
17. Concentric Circles: 30 Rich Life Lessons of a Resilient African Child by Elizabeth Zionita Ofori
18. Such Were the Conditions: The Kahnplay Incident. A Memoir with Ground-level, Front-row Views of Africa’s Truncated Development Through Corruption, Coups, Car, and Geopolitics. / Ronald Quist. – Accra: RonaldQuist , 2023.
19. A Short-Documented History of Ghana Through the Ghanaian Times Perspective: 1960-2008 by Kwaku Amoo-Appau
20. Myths, Traditions and Customs of Dwan (Kenyen): An Ethnography of a Guan Society by Kwadwo Okai-Mensah.
21. The Memoirs of a Rustic Boy by Nii Ayitey Animle Thompson
22. Born to Win: The Memoirs and Reflections of a Trailblazer by E. Kingsley Larbi
23. Grace Beauty Elegance: The Life of Prayer and Bloom by Rosina Adams
24. Conversation With Compatriots by Kwesi Anim Addo
25. African Christianity in the 21st Century-The Mixed Bag by Robert Mensah
26. Milestones In the History of The Gold Coast by Kwamina Theodore Taylor, Nii Kwabena Bonne III and Nana Owusu Akenten
27. Life and works of Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers Svd by Emmanuel Quarshie
28. Logotome: A Compilation of Historical Legendary of Torgbuiga Amegadze Anubo Royal Family by Fiator David Selom Hukportie
If you have a book or want a book to be shared with our audience, you can reach out. Also, reviews of Ghanaian books will be appreciated!
