Stories and facts

The Aborigines' Rights Protection Society (ARPS) was established in 1897 in Cape Coast, in the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana). It was formed in response to the British Colonial Administration's proposal to introduce the Crown Lands Bill of 1896 and the Lands Bill of 1897.

These bills aimed to designate all "unoccupied" land in the colony as crown land, effectively placing control of communal lands in the hands of the colonial government. The ARPS emerged as a significant voice for protecting indigenous land rights and resisting colonial exploitation.

Key Features and Actions of the ARPS:

1. Formation and Leadership:

   • The ARPS was founded by a coalition of traditional chiefs, educated elites, and merchants. Leaders such as John Mensah Sarbah, a prominent lawyer and nationalist, played pivotal roles in organizing and articulating the Society’s demands.

   • Other influential figures included J.W. de Graft Johnson and George Hughes, who brought intellectual and strategic strength to the movement.

2. Opposition to Land Bills:

   • The ARPS strongly opposed the Crown Lands Bill and Lands Bill as they threatened communal land ownership and undermined indigenous systems of governance. The Society argued that these lands were managed collectively for the benefit of local communities and should not be alienated by the colonial government.

   • The Society sent representatives, including John Mensah Sarbah, to London to lobby the British government. Their efforts led to the rejection of the proposed bills, preserving the land rights of the local people.

3. Advocacy for Indigenous Rights:

   • Beyond land rights, the ARPS championed broader issues of social justice and the protection of African customs and traditions. They worked to promote education and foster pride in African heritage.

4. Impact on Nationalism:

   • The ARPS marked a significant step in the evolution of political consciousness in the Gold Coast. It was one of the earliest organized African resistance movements and laid the groundwork for later nationalist movements, including the establishment of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947.

Legacy:

The ARPS played a critical role in shaping the political landscape of Ghana. Its success in challenging the colonial administration inspired subsequent generations of activists to pursue independence and self-determination. The Society's emphasis on legal and diplomatic strategies highlighted the potential of intellectual advocacy in confronting colonial exploitation.

Below are key dates and events from the Aborigines' Rights Protection era.