African Morning Post

African Morning Post. It was a pioneering daily newspaper published in Accra in the Gold Coast from 1937 until its closure in 1940. Founded by the Sierra Leonean businessman M. E. R. Domett, the paper quickly became a vital platform for anti-colonial thought and African nationalism under the editorship of Nnamdi Azikiwe. Its bold criticism of British colonial rule and advocacy for self-government made it a significant force in the political awakening of West Africa before World War II.

History and founding

The newspaper was established in 1937 by M. E. R. Domett, a prominent Creole merchant from Freetown with business interests across West Africa. Domett aimed to create a modern, politically engaged publication for the educated African elite in the Gold Coast. To lead this venture, he recruited the young, US-educated Nnamdi Azikiwe, who had previously worked for the Associated Negro Press and the Times of West Africa in Accra. The paper's launch coincided with a period of rising political consciousness, influenced by global events like the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and the ideas of Marcus Garvey and the Negro World. Its offices in Accra became a hub for intellectuals and activists challenging the policies of the colonial administration led by Arnold Hodson.

Editorial stance and influence

Under Nnamdi Azikiwe's editorship, the paper adopted a fiercely anti-colonial and Pan-Africanist editorial line, demanding self-government and social justice. It regularly criticized British policies, including the indirect rule system and economic exploitation, while drawing connections to the broader struggle against imperialism worldwide. This stance significantly influenced the development of African nationalism in the Gold Coast, inspiring a generation that would later form the Convention People's Party. The paper's influence extended beyond the colony, with copies circulating in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, making it a key voice in the West African press. Its advocacy contributed to the political climate that led to the 1948 Accra riots and the eventual path to independence.

Notable contributors and staff

The most famous figure associated with the paper was its editor, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who later became the first President of Nigeria. Another pivotal staff member was the Jamaican journalist I. T. A. Wallace-Johnson, a noted Pan-Africanist and trade unionist who wrote incendiary columns. The paper also featured contributions from local intellectuals and politicians, including J. B. Danquah, a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention. Other staff and contributors were part of a network of West African journalists and activists who moved between publications like the West African Pilot in Lagos and the Gold Coast Observer. This collective helped shape a coherent anti-colonial discourse across the British West African territories.

Content and format

The newspaper featured a mix of hard news, editorial commentary, international reports, and local coverage. It provided detailed accounts of proceedings in the Gold Coast Legislative Council and reported on global events such as the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Hitler in Germany. Regular columns, like those by I. T. A. Wallace-Johnson, offered sharp political analysis, while features covered topics like education, culture, and sports. Its format was typical of a daily newspaper of the era, but its content was revolutionary, often reprinting articles from other anti-imperial publications and drawing inspiration from the Indian independence movement. This blend of local and global perspectives provided readers with a sophisticated understanding of their place in a wider political struggle.

Closure and legacy

The paper's closure in 1940 was directly precipitated by the infamous sedition trial of I. T. A. Wallace-Johnson and Nnamdi Azikiwe following the publication of a column titled "Has the African a God?" in 1938. Although Azikiwe had left for Nigeria in 1938 to found the West African Pilot, the colonial authorities used the trial to intimidate the press. Facing severe financial pressure and constant legal harassment from the administration of Arnold Hodson, the newspaper ceased publication. Its legacy, however, was profound; it trained a cadre of journalists and proved the power of a militant press in mobilizing political action. The nationalist movement it helped foster in the Gold Coast ultimately succeeded with the independence of Ghana under Kwame Nkrumah.

Category:Defunct newspapers of Ghana Category:Newspapers published in Ghana Category:1937 establishments in the Gold Coast (British colony) Category:1940 disestablishments in the Gold Coast (British colony)