Prempeh College and socio-economic development in late colonial Asante

Kuwajima, Yasuki (2014). Prempeh College and socio-economic development in late colonial Asante. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

At the heart of this thesis are Prempeh College, a secondary school erected in Kumasi (historical capital of Asante) in 1949, and the circumstances Of chiefs' status, prestige, and education. Since the beginning of the 20th century, when Asante was incorporated into the British Enipire through 'indirect-rule', chiefs' struggle for their status within the coexistence Of 'indirect-rule' system and pre-colonial orders was intensified. Since late 1940s, chiefs in the Gold Coast Colony and Ashanti were confronted with the attacks of so-called 'educated commoners’. In addition to those political contexts, the situation of education during late 1940s was characteristic in a sense that 'modern' 'rational’ development of colonies was perceived is realizable and scientific and industrial education was introduced with the financial support of the colonial Government and the metropole. Prempeh College, in those contests, represented diverse intentions of chiefs, education officers and the Education department of the Gold Coast Colony. Meanwhile, since the 1950s, Prempeh College enhanced its prestige by turning out influential talents. At the same time, its alumni network has crucially contributed to the construction of a new nexus among chiefs and chiefly elites.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):