A social history of a West African urban community during colonialism. The focus is centered on town politics and the ways in which the Ga political action shaped Accra's transition from pre-colonial city-state to colonial port city. North America: Heinemann

"... an outstanding piece of scholarship, constructed with the art of a storyteller, its complex and many-layered text weaving together changing Ga values, institutions and perception within the context of the colonial city of Accra... . Scholars of early colonial Africa and the period of transition to colonial rule, as well as those interested in the processes of urbanisation and cultural innovation, will find this a worthy addition to the library, as will any historian or social scientist who likes a well crafted and erudite text. The complexities of Ga socio-polity are intimidating, but Parker does fashion his tale into a good read. I warmly recommend it." - ARAS