Between the Sea and the Lagoon: An Eco-social History of the Anlo of Southeastern Ghana c. 1850 to Recent Times

by Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong

This study offers a “social interpretation of environmental process” for the coastal lowlands of southeastern Ghana. The Anlo-Ewe, sometimes hailed as the quintessential sea fishermen of the West African coast, are a previously non-maritime people who developed a maritime tradition. As a fishing community the Anlo have a strong attachment to their land. In the twentieth century coastal erosion has brought about a collapse of the balance between nature and culture. The Anlo have sought spiritual explanations but at the same time have responded politically by developing broader ties with Ewe-speaking peoples along the coast.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Liam Arne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has done his research! The authority with which he asserts is astounding and his expertise in unquestionable. However, the book is extremely dry and clinical. A teacher who read it as part of a Master's assignment lent it to me to read as a high school student. Needless to say, it was a pure struggle. It is not for the faint of heart or the casual reader.