Question

PLEASE HURRY, 40 POINTS!

Create a response which fully answers each of the prompts of questions below in at least two paragraphs:
Describe the role of gold and its uses within Ghana (Task 1)
Choose two of the four trade routes explored from Task 2 (trans-saharan and Silk Road), explain which countries/regions/peoples Africa traded with and what they obtained from engaging in trade on each of this trade routes.
From Task 3, identify four key pieces of information to demonstrate who African empires traded with and it demonstrates the significance of trade within Africa. (from these maps; Ancient African History to the 1400s, and African History from 1400s to 1800s).

Answer 1

Task 1: The Role of Gold and its uses within Ghana

Gold is a precious metal that has been prized for its beauty and value for millennia. Ghana is one of the top gold-producing countries in the world, and gold plays an important role in the country's economy. The Ghana gold sector contributed over 9% to the country's GDP in 2019.

Gold is used for a variety of purposes in Ghana, including as a form of currency, as jewelry and decoration, and as a store of value. It is also used in industrial applications such as electronics, aerospace, and chemical processing. The gold industry is a source of jobs and income for many people in Ghana, and the government imposes taxes and regulates the industry to ensure that it is sustainable and promotes economic development.

However, the mining of gold also has negative environmental and social impacts. Mining can lead to deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation, and often the workers in the industry are underpaid and exploited. The government of Ghana is aware of these issues and has implemented regulations and initiatives to help mitigate these impacts. For example, the government has established a community mining program in orderto promote responsible mining practices and provide economic benefits to local communities.

Task 2: Trade Routes Explored

Trans-Saharan Trade Route:

The Trans-Saharan trade route was an important trade route that linked Africa to the Middle East and Europe. The trade route was used for the exchange of various goods such as salt, gold, cloth, and slaves. The route spanned across North Africa from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sahara Desert, and the main trading cities were Timbuktu, Kanem, and Bornu. The trade was dominated by Arabs, who controlled the salt trade, and their trade goods included dates, silks, and spices. The trade route played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in West Africa.

Silk Road:

The Silk Road was a trade route that connected China to the Middle East and Europe. The trade route was used for the exchange of various goods such as silk, spices, and horses. The route spanned from China to Central Asia and the Middle East, passing across the desert and through mountain passes. The key trading centers of the Silk Road were Samarkand, Bokhara, and Kashi. The route played an important role in the exchange of ideas, culture, and religions between East and West.