Answer:
In 1948, Ghana, which was then known as the Gold Coast, was a British colony. Cocoa farming was a crucial industry for the local economy, and many Ghanaians relied on it for their livelihoods. However, in the late 1940s, a devastating fungal disease called swollen shoot disease spread throughout the cocoa plantations, leading to the destruction of numerous cocoa trees.
This disease caused the cocoa production to decline significantly, which had a severe impact on the Ghanaian economy. As a result, many cocoa farmers and workers faced economic hardships, struggling to make ends meet. They were unable to earn an income from their cocoa farms, and their lives became increasingly difficult.
The frustration and anger among the affected people grew, and it eventually boiled over into widespread protests and riots in 1948. The rioters expressed their grievances against the colonial government, demanding better working conditions, fair treatment, and improved economic opportunities.
So, in a nutshell, the destruction of cocoa trees due to swollen shoot disease led to a decline in cocoa production, causing economic hardships for cocoa farmers and workers. This economic strain, combined with other grievances, contributed to the eruption of the 1948 riots in Ghana.
Hope this helps!