The British National Archives has presented an authentic copy of the historic Bond of 1844 to the Parliament of Ghana, marking a significant contribution to the preservation of the country’s colonial and constitutional history. It took 181 years for modern Ghana to have a first veiw of the exact words and copy of the bond.

The document, widely regarded as a cornerstone in Ghana’s legal and political development, was formally handed over in Accra by Juliette Desplat, Head of International Affairs at the British National Archives, and Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin received the document on behalf of the institution.

Mr. Bagbin expressed appreciation to the British government for the gesture, describing it as a historic moment for Parliament and the people of Ghana. He noted that the Bond of 1844 captures a pivotal period in Ghana’s historical and developmental trajectory.

He also indicated that Parliament, as part of its efforts to preserve national heritage, had established a museum within Parliament House. The copy of the Bond, he said, will be displayed there to support public education and historical reference.

The Bond of 1844 was a treaty signed between the British colonial administration and several Fante chiefs, which allowed British jurisdiction over their territories and protected trade routes.

It later paved the way for the establishment of formal British colonial rule in the southern part of the then Gold Coast.

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Below is the content of the Authentic copy of the ‘Bond of 1844’

The Bond of 1844

Whereas power and jurisdiction have been exercised for and on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, within divers countries and places adjacent to Her Majesty’s forts and settlements on the Gold Coast; we, chiefs of countries and places so referred to, adjacent to the said forts and settlements, do hereby acknowledge that power and jurisdiction, and declare that the first objects of law are the protection of individuals and of property.
Human sacrifices, and other barbarous customs, such as panyarring, are abominations, and contrary to law.
Murders, robberies, and other crimes and offences, will be tried and enquired of before the Queen’s judicial officers and the chiefs of the districts, moulding the customs of the country to the general principles of British law.

Done at Cape Coast Castle before his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, on this 6th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1844.