The Bond of 1844

Introduction

When the British first arrived in the Gold Coast, they focused their early years on establishing trade posts and participating in diverse trade ventures, notably including the trade of enslaved individuals. The Fantis were the ones controlling the trade route to the sea. They determined the terms of commerce along those passages. The Ashantis, however, facilitated the provision of Gold and the transportation of enslaved individuals to the coastal markets.

As the Ashantis grew wealthy and powerful, they aimed to remove the Fantis, who acted as middlemen. This caused prolonged conflicts between these ethnic groups. The first Ashanti invasion of the Coastal Regions occurred between 1806 and 1807, resulting in the defeat of the Fantis. Due to political instability, the British abolished the Slave Trade in 1807, and this prompted an unfavorable response from the Ashantis, as this was one of their key reasons for attacking the Fantis. In response to the British actions, the Ashantis instructed the Fantis to avoid trading with the British settlers in Cape Coast, urging them to trade with the Dutch and the Danes instead.

Anglo-Ashanti war in 1806.

The Friendship Treaty

In 1817, the African Company of Merchants, a British merchant company, entered into a treaty of friendship with the Ashantis, recognizing their dominion over the people at the coastal lines. This company possessed nine commercial outposts, notably Cape Coast Castle, serving as the principal administrative hub, alongside others such as Fort William, Fort James, and Fort Sekondi. The coastal people, predominantly the Fantis and residents of Newtown in Accra, depended on the British to protect them from the Ashanti influence. The company, however, needed more capabilities to provide such protection. In 1821, the British Crown disbanded the company, delegating trade authority to Sir Charles McCarthy, who served as the Governor of the Sierra Leone Colony then.

McCarthy urged the coastal people to resist Ashanti's rule. He also encouraged them to block trade routes to the coast. The conflict between these ethnic groups persisted, which resulted in McCarthy's death in a battle with the Ashantis in 1824. In 1826, the British and coastal people (Fantis and Accra residents) joined forces, defeating the Ashantis.

The British established a Council of Merchants in the Gold Coast to safeguard their interests

The Tripartite Treaty

1830, George Maclean arrived at the Gold Coast to lead the Committee of Merchants. He successfully brought peace between the British, Ashantis, and Fantis, achieving peace by 1831. Maclean negotiated the "Tripartite Treaty" with the Ashantis, affirming the Coastal People's independence from Ashanti rule. This treaty paved the way for increased trade and expanded British influence. Following this, Commander Hill was appointed in 1843 as the first Governor of the Gold Coast Colony. Before Maclean's tenure, the British merely conducted trade within the Colony without governance control.

The Bond of 1844

In the time of peace with the Asantes, missionaries set up schools along the coast. The British government saw an opportunity during this peaceful time and made a deal called the Bond of 1844. This agreement pledged British help to the Fantes, who signed it against the Asantes. This agreement was signed between Commander Hill, the Governor at that time who represented the British Government, and eight Fanti chiefs, with George Maclean as a witness. This agreement granted the British authority over the Judicial System of the Gold Coast.

Many historians believe this agreement marked the start of British participation in governing the Gold Coast.

Extract of the Bond of 1844

Done at Cape Coast Castle before His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, on this 6th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1844.

Their marks :

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