New Books Network Jeffrey Ahlman, "Ghana: A Political and Social History" (Zed Books, 2023)
Jan 10, 2026
Jeffrey Ahlman, a history professor and chair of African Studies at Smith College, delves into the intricate narrative of Ghanaian history in his latest book. He explores the evolving concept of Ghanaian identity over the past two centuries, highlighting the instability of national narratives. Cocoa emerges as a key player in shaping social and economic identities. Ahlman emphasizes the voices of ordinary Ghanaians over colonial figures, challenging traditional historical frameworks and hinting at future research on W.E.B. Du Bois's impact on African studies.
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National History As A Question, Not A Given
- National histories feel dated after the global history turn but still matter for asking what nationhood means today.
- Jeffrey Ahlman framed his book as exploring how 'Ghanaian' has been a moving target across two centuries.
From Proposed Biography To National History
- Ahlman was originally invited to write a Nkrumah biography but resisted and proposed a national-history project instead.
- That editorial negotiation shaped the book's focus on the meaning of national history after Nkrumah's transnationalism.
Choose Teachably Accessible Sources
- Use accessible primary sources so students can replicate research and bring archive materials into teaching.
- Ahlman selected archives in databases and the Endangered Archives Program to make classroom assignments feasible.
