The Gold Coast's First Newspaper: A Voice for African Rights

Before independence, the Gold Coast had a vibrant press. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the story of the Gold Coast's first newspaper, the Accra-based 'The Gold Coast Times', founded in 1857 by Charles Bannerman. They discuss how this paper and its successors—like 'The Gold Coast Aborigines' and 'The Gold Coast Nation'—became platforms for African intellectuals to challenge colonial policies, advocate for self-government, and unite the educated elite. The episode delves into the role of journalists like James Bannerman, John Mensah Sarbah, and J.E. Casely Hayford, who used print media to spread nationalist ideas. It also covers the colonial government's attempts to suppress these voices through sedition laws, and how the press influenced key events like the 1897 lands bill protests and the formation of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society. The episode ends with a reflection on how press freedom remains a cornerstone of Ghana's democracy today. #GoldCoastPress #CharlesBannerman #TheGoldCoastTimes #JohnMensahSarbah #JECaselyHayford #AboriginesRightsProtectionSociety #ColonialJournalism #PressFreedom #GoldCoastHistory #GhanaHistory #19thCenturyAfrica #AfricanPress #Nationalism #Accra #CapeCoast #History #FexingoHistory #WestAfricanHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo