Final answer:
Mali's prosperity over Ghana was due to its control of extensive trade routes, fertile agricultural land, and its strategic position within the Muslim trade network.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mali became more prosperous than the kingdom of Ghana due to several factors. One significant advantage was that Mali controlled more extensive trade routes, including trans-Saharan routes, which were vital for connecting diverse cultures and economies. Mali's access to the goldfields and increased agricultural productivity also played a critical role in its prosperity. Unlike Ghana, Mali benefited from more abundant rainfall in the southern savanna, making the land more fertile for agricultural endeavors. Crops such as sorghum and millet thrived in the savannah, while rice cultivation was successful in the Gambia valley and the upper Niger floodplain. Additionally, Mali's integration into the Muslim-dominated trade network provided a broader commercial reach. The leadership roles of Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa are also credited with Mali's increased wealth and establishment as a strong and vibrant kingdom.