Precursors of Regional Development Disparities in Colonial Dependencies: Perspectives from Northern Ghana

Abstract Over the past century, discussions around underdevelopment in colonial dependencies have focused on pre-independence antecedents, yet recent research interest in Ghana is lacking. This study uses imperialist development theory to explore how these antecedents influence contemporary underdevelopment in Northern Ghana amidst the SDGs. Data was gathered ethnographically through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 14 participants, selected via purposive and convenience sampling. Analysis using NVivo version 12 revealed the significant role of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and colonialism in the North’s development quagmire. We recommend: (a) reparatory policies from central government and respective colonial empires to address historical abuses and injustices, (b) a thoughtful integration of global development approaches with home-grown initiatives tailored to the North’s specific needs, (c) upgrading the development infrastructure, education and vocational training, to attract requisite investments and economic activities, and (d) Northern elite-led advocacy to ensure continuous commitment and cooperation among development stakeholders to adapt to evolving needs of the people. Our study is relevant to academic debates on the search for sustainable development in colonial dependencies struggling with regional development disparities.