Stories and facts
Despite his untimely demise at the hands of a slave raider and Mande warlord named Samori in 1897, Ferguson's contributions are still remembered and honoured today.
Early Life and Family Background
George Ekem Ferguson was born in Anomabo, Gold Coast, to a family deeply entrenched in the colonial social hierarchy. His father, Robert Archibald Ferguson, worked for the trading company F & A Swanzy in Winneba, while his grandfather, Samuel Ferguson, had served as a colonial doctor. Ferguson was raised in a household strongly influenced by British customs, reflecting the lifestyle of the elite class of the time. Although little is known about his mother, she was identified as a Christian, suggesting the presence of Christian influences within the family.
Education and Early Career
From an early age, Ferguson received a quality education, attending primary school in Cape Coast. His thirst for knowledge led him to enrol at the Wesleyan Boys High School in Freetown in 1876. At the school, which was founded by Krio individuals sympathetic to British imperialism, Ferguson's studies encompassed various subjects such as mathematics, geography, British and ancient history, classics, French, photography, and religious education. The curriculum of the school was designed to instil the ideals of British values and promote the superiority of British culture.
Upon completing his studies at the Wesleyan Boys High School, Ferguson returned to Cape Coast in 1881. Initially considering a career as a Methodist minister, he instead pursued a path in the Colonial Service. He secured a position at the Governor's office, where his competence and dedication were recognized. In November 1882, Ferguson was appointed as Clerk to the Queen's Advocate, marking the beginning of his civil service career.
Contributions to the Colonial Administration
Ferguson's invaluable language skills, and fluency in Fanti and Ga, allowed him to effectively communicate with the majority of the southern inhabitants of the Gold Coast. This ability proved crucial in his role as an arbitrator for tribal disputes, including the 1886 conflict between the Krobo and Akwamu peoples. His expertise and cultural understanding helped maintain peace and resolve conflicts within the region.
As Ferguson progressed in his career, he took on additional responsibilities and undertook significant projects. He produced a comprehensive map of the colony and conducted a survey of the water supply in Accra. His meticulous work and dedication to his official duties earned him the trust and respect of the colonial authorities.
Further Education and Professional Achievements
Recognizing Ferguson's potential, the colonial authorities granted him paid leave to pursue further education at the Royal College of Science in London. In London, he focused on mining, geology, surveying, mathematics, and astronomy. Ferguson excelled in his studies, earning a First Class diploma in June exams. Armed with his newly acquired knowledge, he returned to the Gold Coast in September 1890.
Upon his return, Ferguson was tasked with an important expedition to Atebubu. The expedition aimed to prospect precious stones, assess the quality of roads, and evaluate the local trade situation. During this journey, he successfully negotiated a treaty with local chiefs who sought protection from potential Asante aggression. The report he compiled from this expedition was published and potentially influenced future diamond exploration in the region.
Ferguson's expertise as a surveyor and cartographer was instrumental in the re-demarcation of the border between the Gold Coast and the German colony of Togoland in 1892. His involvement in the surveying project contributed to the production of accurate maps, surpassing the quality of those created by their German counterparts.
Tragic End and Legacy
Tragically, George Ekem Ferguson's life was cut short in 1897. He was killed near Wa by the slave raider Samori, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, exploration, and dedication to the colonial administration. Today, his tomb can be found in Wa, Ghana, in a graveyard that now bears his name, the George Ekem Ferguson graveyard.
George Ekem Ferguson, also known as Ekow Atta, played a pivotal role in the British colonial administration of the Gold Coast. As a civil servant, surveyor, and cartographer, Ferguson made significant contributions to infrastructure development, arbitration of tribal disputes, and the accurate mapping of the region. Despite his untimely demise, his memory lives on through his lasting impact on the colonial history of Ghana. George Ekem Ferguson's life serves as a testament to the determination, intellect, and resilience of individuals who shaped the course of history in colonial Africa.
