Final answer:
The collapse of the Ghana Empire was primarily caused by political disintegration and the rise of rival kingdoms and warlords. The emergence of smaller kingdoms led by warlords eventually led to the decline of Ghana.
Step-by-step explanation:
The collapse of the Ghana Empire can be attributed to several factors, but one of the most important is the rise of rival kingdoms and warlords. By the 12th century, political disintegration had led to the emergence of several smaller kingdoms led by warlords, which eventually led to the decline of Ghana. The Mandinka people, specifically Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, played a significant role in the creation of the new kingdom of Mali on the foundations of Ghana.