Ghana in 1948 was still under the thumb of European colonialism. During this time, colonizers had increased prices on scarce goods imported from Europe, further shaking the turbulent economy. No one dared to go against the colonial powers...No one except Chief Nii Kwabena Bonne III.
Chief Nii learned that international merchants were exploiting Africa for enormous profit. In response to this exploitation, Nii formed the Anti-Inflation Campaign Committee and sent an ultimatum to the Chamber of Commerce, saying, “Reduce the prices of these goods by January 24 or face nationwide boycott.”
As he waited for a response, Nii traveled the colony and explained to fellow chiefs the plan to boycott European goods. Recognizing that working together was the only way to take down colonial powers, everybody got on board.
January 24 rolled around and the Chamber of Commerce had not responded to the ultimatum. So the people did as they promised: they boycotted! No one bought imported European or Asian goods. Their actions forced shops to close. And barely a month later, the boycott forced the colonial government to reduce prices on goods!
This successful unification and boycott led to more protests, and marked the beginning of Ghana’s journey to gaining independence from their colonial oppressors.