Final answer:
The wealth of Ghana came from taxing the trade of commodities, including gold, ivory, salt, leather, and enslaved captives in their territory. The Ghana Empire was renowned for its control of rich gold mines and the taxation of goods traversing its land, enriching the empire considerably.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, the wealth of Ghana did indeed come from taxing the trade within their territory. Evidence from historical sources, such as Arab scholars and traders, indicate that Ghana's empire accumulated wealth by taxing commodities like gold, copper, ivory, salt, leather, and enslaved captives. These items were crucial in trade networks across the Sahara, linking West Africa to North Africa and beyond. For instance, the Moroccan geographer al-Idrisi and his contemporary al-Zuhri recounted the active slave trade conducted by the people of Ghana, which formed a significant part of their wealth. The Ghana Empire was affluent due to its control over the rich gold mines and the taxes levied on goods passing through its domain, as described in historical texts like the Book of Roads and Kingdoms by al-Bakri. Moreover, during the peak of the Ghana Empire, a substantial amount of gold and other commodities were transported across the Sahara, contributing significantly to the empire's prosperity and might.