History of Ghana can be very interesting to those who are traveling to the place for the first time and want to know more about the place. History of Ghana deals from the medieval period to its nationalization.
The Medieval period is an integral part of the History of Ghana.The Republic of Ghana derived its name from the medieval Ghana Empire of West Africa which was originally named as Wagadugu.The empire was controlled by Sundiata in 1240 AD and was later on absorbed into the larger Mali Empire.This empire rose to its peak during the reign of Mansa Musa around 1307.
In terms of location, the old Ghana lies 500 miles north of the present Ghana and it occupies an area between the rivers Senegal and Niger. Ghana still has some inhabitants whose ancestors were linked to the Medieval Ghana which can be traced to the Mande and Voltaic peoeple of Northern Ghana-
Facts about Ghana also reveal the connection of the Akans clan to this empire, the evidence of which lies in names like Danso still used by the Akans of present Ghana.
Gold Coast & European Exploration: This part is very important in the history of Ghana. Ghana was named as "Gold Coast" before 1957.This is due to the large deposits of gold that was found by the Portuguese during the 15th century between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta and the place was named as Mina or mine.At a later stage the place was named as Gold coast by the British colonizers.The place was also named as The Ivory Coast, Cote d'Ivoire by the French who were pleased by the ornaments worn by the local people.
In the year 1482 a castle was built by the Portuguese Diego d'Azambuja who was sent by King John II.The main aim of the Portuguese was to trade in gold, ivory and slaves.
They were joined by the Dutch in the year 1598 and forts were made at Komenda and Kormantsil.In the year 1637 and 1642 the Dutch captured the castle and the fort of Axim from the Portuguese. Other traders who came and settled here were the Danes, English and the Swedes and slowly the coastline became filled with forts. During the later part of the 19th century were the only traders left in this region
After the departure of the Dutch in the year 1874, the region was transformed into a colony by the British.
| 
