The Economic Capacity of Ghana - Essay Example

The Mali realm rose back in the mid-1300. Moreover, it emerged from the greater Ghana Empire. However, due to external disputes and internal conflicts within the Ghana Empire and the eventual crumple of the Ghanaian Kingdom, the Mali Kingdom emerged with Sundiata being their leader (Conrad 13). This clearly depicts how Ghanaian began its superiority over the Malian realm. In fact, some historians deem Ghana to be the greatest kingdom in the early part of 1300.

Besides, civilization started in Ghana earlier than in Mali. In fact, civilization in Ghana began even before the arrival of the Europeans into Africa. Moreover, Ghana had started trading early, where they operated with other communities. Their trade items included gold, cloth and copper among others. Moreover, the regime imposed a tax on the goldmines in the region (Conrad 14). Mali was still under Ghana Empire and did little in terms of trade. As a result, the economic capacity of Ghana was far much better as compared to that of Mali, their counterparts.

In the political aspect, Ghana had a well-organized system, with the Soninke people reigning over the Berbers. Moreover, the empire had captured a vast area and made it its kingdom. Mali was still under the Ghanaian Empire. The Ghanaian trade in gold had made the empire extremely powerful. Besides, the use of iron aided Ghana in creating weaponry for its territorial army. Furthermore, it was not until the Senegalese Almoravids intervention that capacitated the Malians to take over Ghana Kingdom (Conrad 14).

In addition, the Ghana Empire was extensively rich. This mainly resulted from the expansive gold trade within the region. This distinct trade in gold made Ghana change its earlier name (Wagadugu) to its present Ghana (meaning gold land). This gave Ghana an advantage over its former territory, Mali (Conrad 16). However, ancient Ghana is different from contemporary Ghana. Besides, the Ghana kings controlled the gold trade and could only allow the traders (including those from Mali territory) to trade only using gold dust.

It is evident that an empire needs to incorporate several features in its ruling in order to achieve its superiority nature. These factors include organized trade leading to economic capability, a strong army, and a vast empire with numerous territories. From the ninth century to 1300, Ghana was in this state. This made it extremely superior over its successor, Mali. However, internal clashes and external uprisings from the Almoravids led to its ultimate collapse and succession of Mali. Besides, Mali also collapsed later and was succeeded by Songhai.