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WASSCE History past questions and answers

Eight multiple choice and two written, marked as you go. Free, no account.

ObjectiveQ1 of 10

The diagram shows Africa's "democratic wave" since the 1990s. The key factor driving democratisation in Africa was

Post-Independence

Answer: D. the end of the Cold War removed superpower support for dictators

After the Cold War ended (1991), the USA and USSR stopped propping up authoritarian allies in Africa. Western donors began requiring democratic reforms as conditions for aid (political conditionality). Domestic pro-democracy movements grew stronger. Benin's National Conference (1990) was a model, followed by transitions in Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, and many others.

ObjectiveQ2 of 10

The diagram shows Governor Guggisberg's development plan for the Gold Coast. His major achievement was

Colonialism

Answer: D. building Takoradi Harbour, Achimota College, and Korle Bu Hospital

Governor Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg (1919-1927) is considered the most progressive colonial governor of the Gold Coast. His 10-Year Development Plan included building Takoradi deep-water harbour (1928), Achimota College (1927, the Gold Coast's premier educational institution), and Korle Bu Hospital (1923, West Africa's first teaching hospital). He also expanded railways and roads.

ObjectiveQ3 of 10

The image shows the national flag of Ghana adopted at independence. The colours represent

Nationalism

Answer: A. Red (blood of martyrs), Gold (mineral wealth), Green (forests/agriculture)

The Ghana flag: Red represents the blood of those who fought for independence, Gold represents the country's mineral wealth (especially gold), and Green represents the forests and natural wealth. The Black Star symbolises African freedom and was the symbol of the Black Star Line (Marcus Garvey).

ObjectiveQ4 of 10

The diagram shows the transformation of the OAU to the AU. The African Union replaced the OAU in

International Organisations

Answer: A. 2002

The African Union (AU) replaced the OAU on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa. The AU has a broader mandate than the OAU: it can intervene in member states in cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity (the OAU's non-interference principle was seen as too rigid). The AU now has 55 member states.

ObjectiveQ5 of 10

The diagram shows the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It was established in

Pan-Africanism

Answer: D. 1963 in Addis Ababa

The OAU was founded on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by 32 independent African states. Its aims included promoting African unity, defending sovereignty, eliminating colonialism, and coordinating cooperation. 25 May is now celebrated as Africa Day. The OAU was replaced by the African Union (AU) in 2002.

ObjectiveQ6 of 10

The diagram shows the system of government in the Asante Empire. The supreme authority was the

Pre-Colonial Empires

Answer: D. Asantehene (king)

The Asantehene was the supreme ruler of the Asante Empire, occupying the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi). He was advised by the Asantemanhyiamu (Council of paramount chiefs). The Queen Mother (Ohemaa) played a key role in selecting the Asantehene.

ObjectiveQ7 of 10

The diagram shows the ECOWAS logo and member states. ECOWAS was established in

International Organisations

Answer: A. 1975

ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was established on 28 May 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos. It has 15 member states. Its aims include promoting economic integration, trade, and cooperation among West African countries. It has also played a peacekeeping role (ECOMOG) in regional conflicts (Liberia, Sierra Leone).

ObjectiveQ8 of 10

The timeline shows key dates in the abolition of the slave trade. Britain abolished the slave trade in

Slave Trade

Answer: C. 1807

Britain abolished the transatlantic slave trade in 1807 (the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act). Slavery itself was abolished throughout the British Empire in 1833 (Emancipation Act). Key abolitionists included William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, and Olaudah Equiano.

TheoryQ9 of 1010 marks

Describe the impact of European contact on the political structures of West African societies during the 15th to 19th centuries.

Marking guide

The impact of European contact on the political structures of West African societies was significant. European powers such as Portugal, Britain, and France established trade relationships with West African kingdoms, which led to the emergence of new elite groups. These groups accumulated wealth and power, challenging the traditional authority of rulers. For example, in the Asante kingdom, the accumulation of wealth from the gold trade led to the rise of a powerful elite class. Additionally, European contact led to the introduction of new technologies, such as firearms, which altered the balance of power in West Africa. The transatlantic slave trade also disrupted the political structures of West African societies, as many rulers became dependent on the slave trade for revenue. Overall, European contact led to the transformation of West African political structures, with many societies becoming more centralized and hierarchical. The impact of European contact varied across different West African societies, with some kingdoms, such as the Asante, able to maintain their independence, while others, such as the kingdom of Kongo, were severely disrupted.

TheoryQ10 of 1010 marks

Describe the factors that led to the rise of nationalism in Ghana during the colonial period.

Marking guide

The rise of nationalism in Ghana during the colonial period was due to several factors. One major factor was the introduction of Western education, which made Ghanaians aware of their rights and the need for self-rule. The economic exploitation of Ghana by the British also fueled nationalist sentiments, as Ghanaians felt that their resources were being misused. Additionally, the role of African soldiers in World War I and II made them realize that they could fight for their country's freedom. The formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947 also played a significant role in the rise of nationalism, as it brought together like-minded individuals who were determined to fight for Ghana's independence. The UGCC's slogan, 'Self-Government Now', became a rallying cry for nationalists. Overall, the combination of these factors created a sense of national unity and purpose among Ghanaians, leading to the rise of nationalism.

Topics on this page: Post-Independence; Colonialism; Nationalism; International Organisations; Pan-Africanism; Pre-Colonial Empires; Slave Trade; European Contact.

Revise a topic

Notes, practice questions and a mark scheme for topics on the syllabus.

  • West African kingdoms
  • The Atlantic slave trade
  • Colonial rule
  • Nationalism and independence
  • Ghana after independence

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Questions about WASSCE History on glearn

Are these real WASSCE History past questions?+

They are written in the style of the WASSCE, the way the examiners ask, and every one comes with the correct answer and a worked explanation. Inside glearn there are also questions taken from past papers.

Can I get my written answers marked?+

Yes, on this page: type your answer and the coach marks it with AI and shows you where the marks are, a few a day with no account. Inside glearn, every answer you write.

Do I need an account for this page?+

No. You need one only to save your score and to keep going once the free marking for the day is used.

Will these exact questions come in my exam?+

Nobody can promise that. These test the same topics and the same kind of thinking the WASSCE does, which is what practice is for. There are thousands more across BECE and WASSCE inside glearn; this page shows a small sample.

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