Abstract

This article aims at constructing the history of the Gyaman state before colonial rule. It is the first in a series of three papers to be published in the Journal of African Studies and Development. The current paper shall interrogate the pre-colonial political structures that culminated in the formation of the Gyaman state. It also discusses the socio-politico-economic activities of the Gyaman people before colonial domination by both the British and the French. The discussion of the early history of Gyaman and its constitution is important as it sets the background for understanding the Gyaman people and their history of resilience and also sets the background for understanding subsequent modern issues confronting this great West African traditional state.

Key words: Gyaman, Ghana, La Côte d’Ivoire, traditional, state.