Step-by-step explanation:
1) Differences between the states that emerged in the savanna and forest zones of Ghana:
Military: The savanna states, such as the Kingdom of Dagbon and Mamprusi, had a strong military tradition and a centralized system of governance, which allowed them to expand their territories through conquest. In contrast, forest states such as the Asante and Fante had a more decentralized system of governance and relied on alliances and diplomacy to maintain their power and influence.
Succession: In the savanna states, succession to the throne was usually based on the principle of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the throne. In contrast, in forest states, succession was more fluid, and the king was often chosen from among a group of eligible candidates.
Religion: In the savanna states, Islam played a significant role in shaping the culture and society, while in forest states, traditional African religions were more prevalent. However, some forest states, such as the Ashanti Empire, also embraced Islam as a religion.
Economic: The savanna states were more focused on trade, particularly with the trans-Saharan trade routes, while the forest states were more involved in agriculture and mining, particularly gold mining.
2)The role of geography in shaping the socio-cultural practices of these two zones: The differences between the savanna and forest states can be partly attributed to the geographical conditions of each zone. The savanna region is characterized by open grasslands, which made it easier for the savanna states to engage in long-distance trade and expand their territories through conquest. In contrast, the forest region is characterized by dense forests, which made it harder to expand territories and engage in long-distance trade. The forest states, therefore, relied on alliances and diplomacy to maintain their power and influence. The forest region also had a more diverse ecology, which allowed for a variety of economic activities, including agriculture and mining. This, in turn, influenced the socio-cultural practices of the forest states, such as their emphasis on agriculture and their use of gold as a symbol of power and wealth.
In conclusion, while geography played a role in shaping the differences between the savanna and forest states of Ghana, other factors such as culture, religion, and economic activity also contributed to these differences. It is essential to take a holistic view of these factors when analyzing the history and development of these states.