Final answer:
The three types of states in West African States' transition are pre-colonial states, colonial states, and post-colonial states. They mark significant changes in governance and societal structures, influenced by historical, cultural, and colonial legacies, particularly seen in Ghana's political evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the types of states in West Africa's transition, the correct answer from the provided options would be pre-colonial states, colonial states, and post-colonial states. These three historical periods mark significant changes in governance and societal structures.
For instance, Ghana, a postcolonial West African state, exemplifies the transition from a region with pre-colonial empires and kingdoms, such as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires, to a territory shaped by colonial rule with imposed boundaries and administrative systems, and finally into an independent nation-state tackling the challenges of political and economic restructuring after colonialism. The legacies of colonialism have left many African states with the classification of fragile states or failed states, facing issues such as political instability, corruption, and the task of unifying diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
Anthropology and postcolonial studies acknowledge the intricacies of these transitions, recognizing the importance of both cultural and historical contexts in understanding contemporary political systems. Especially in Ghana, where local cultural aspects and the colonial past weave together to influence current politics and societal dynamics.