CHIEFS, UNION JACK FLAGS AND THE KING’S MEDALS UNDER BRITISH RULE IN GHANA: THE CASE OF ASHANTI (1916-1938)

Authors : Usman Abass

Pages : 321-347

Doi:10.35239/tariharastirmalari.1691299

View : 30 | Download : 48

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Chiefs were instrumental in the pre-colonial and colonial states of Ghana and West Africa. Through the chieftaincy institution, the indigenous medium of socio-political administration, communities were united to form a common identity based on history, religion, and customs. The chief is the first citizen of a native state through whom the ancestral nexus is continued. However, during the age of colonialism, chieftain positions degenerated because the chiefs cooperated with the colonial regime as agents of the Crown. The paper found that during that period of degeneration, chiefs were offered medals with 3- or 2-inch silver gilt chains for their service and contributions to the colonial administration; they were also offered the Union Jack flag and government cane staff if they did “good work” on behalf of the colonial office. Thus, this paper examines the contributions made by Ashanti chiefs to the colonial office between 1919 and 1938, for which they were rewarded with Union Jack flags and/or medals. To unravel that, archival and secondary sources were utilised in the study. The paper asserts that the role of chiefs in the establishment of colonial rule in Ghana has been brought to light by the commendations bestowed upon them by the colonial office in recognition of their diverse services and contributions.
Keywords : Şefler, Ashanti, Dolaylı Kural, Birleşik Krallık Bayrakları, Kral Madalyaları

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