Development of Other African States

Grade 10 · History

Semester 2 | Period 5 | Week 27

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Subject: History

Semester: 2

Period: 5

Week: 27

School Name: __________________________
Teacher’s Name: ________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 10
Date: Week 27
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes × All periods combined
Week & Term: Week 27, Period V

Topic: Development of Other African States
Sub-topic: Origin and Expansion of Mossi & Akan States

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Trace the origin of the Mossi and Akan states.
  2. Explain how the Mossi and Akan states expanded and developed.
  3. Analyze the role of trade, religion, and leadership in their growth.
  4. Discuss the significance of Mossi and Akan states in African history.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know:

  • The development of Hausa states and the role of Islam in African societies.
  • How trade routes connected West African kingdoms.

 

Instructional Materials

  • Textbook: History of Africa (Grade 10 approved text).
  • Teaching aids: Map of West Africa showing Mossi & Akan locations, chart of Akan kings (e.g., Osei Tutu), picture of the Golden Stool, images of Mossi warriors.
  • Students’ notebooks and writing materials.

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Activity:

  • Teacher will ask:
  1. “Have you ever heard of the Golden Stool of the Ashanti?”
  2. “Why do you think some kingdoms grow powerful while others remain small?”
  • Teacher shows the map of West Africa highlighting present-day Ghana and Burkina Faso, asking students to predict the historical importance of this region.

Teacher’s Role:

  • Spark curiosity using stories of bravery (Mossi warriors) and sacred traditions (Golden Stool of the Akan).

Learner’s Role:

  • Respond to questions, predict answers, and brainstorm about how kingdoms rise.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  1. Origin of the Mossi States
  • Located in present-day Burkina Faso.
  • Origin traced to warrior groups from the north who settled in the Volta region around the 15th century.
  • They were known for their strong cavalry (horsemen).
  • Mossi society was ruled by kings called Moro Naba.
  1. Expansion of the Mossi States
  • Expansion through military conquest—raided neighboring states, including the Songhai.
  • Controlled important trade routes between West and North Africa.
  • Skilled in warfare, often resisted Islamization and preserved their traditional religion.
  1. Origin of the Akan States
  • Located in present-day Ghana.
  • Origins linked to the Akan-speaking peoples who migrated from the north to settle in the forest regions.
  • Ashanti became the most powerful among the Akan states.
  • Osei Tutu and his priest Okomfo Anokye united the Akan clans in the 17th century.
  1. Expansion of the Akan States
  • Ashanti Empire expanded through conquest and alliances.
  • Centralized administration under the Asantehene (king).
  • The Golden Stool symbolized unity and divine authority.
  • Became wealthy from gold trade and participation in the trans-Atlantic trade.
  • Built a strong military and an organized bureaucracy.
  1. Significance of Mossi and Akan States
  • Mossi: Known for military strength and resistance to Islam.
  • Akan: Became one of the wealthiest and most influential West African states due to gold and unity.
  • Both contributed to African political, military, cultural, and economic history.

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  1. Group Reading & Summary: Each group reads a short passage (Mossi vs Akan) and summarizes for the class.
  2. Map Activity: Locate and label Mossi and Akan states on a blank map of West Africa.
  3. Role-play: One group acts as Mossi warriors, another as Akan leaders discussing the Golden Stool.
  4. Class Debate: “Which was more influential: Mossi military power or Akan gold wealth?”

Teacher’s Role:

  • Guide discussions, explain difficult concepts, moderate debate, ensure accuracy of summaries.

Assessment Checks:

  • Oral questioning during group reports.
  • Quick quiz after discussion:
  1. Who founded the Ashanti kingdom?
  2. What was the Golden Stool?
  3. Why were the Mossi feared in West Africa?

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

  • Teacher leads a recap:
    • Mossi states: military power, resisted Islam, controlled trade.
    • Akan states: Ashanti Empire, Golden Stool, wealth from gold and trade.
    • Both played major roles in African history.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):

  • Exit slip questions:
  1. Write one difference between Mossi and Akan states.
  2. State two reasons for the wealth of the Akan states.
  3. Who was Osei Tutu and why is he important?

 

Assignment (Expanded):

  1. Write a two-page essay comparing the political systems of the Mossi and Akan states.
  2. Draw the Golden Stool and explain its importance in Akan history.
  3. Prepare a short presentation: “If I were a Mossi warrior, how would I defend my state?”

Follow-up Activity:

  • Research the Yoruba and Benin kingdoms for the next lesson.
  • Students should find one cultural or political feature of Yoruba or Benin societies.

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Provide simplified notes with keywords highlighted.
  • Advanced Learners: Ask them to analyze why Akan states succeeded while some others failed.
  • Students with Disabilities: Use visual aids (pictures, charts, maps) and allow oral answers instead of only written work.

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)

  • What worked well? ____________________________________________
  • What needs improvement? _____________________________________
  • Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low
  • Next steps: Strengthen links between African culture, trade, and political power before moving to Yoruba and Benin.