Final answer:
The statement regarding the king of the ancient Ghana Empire's control over trade and military power, as well as his authority to demand taxes and gifts, is true. He oversaw a formidable military and maintained wealth through a tribute system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the authority of Ghana's king is true. The king of the Ghana Empire, which flourished between the 6th and 13th centuries, had considerable control over trade, especially concerning the lucrative salt and gold commodities. He commanded a substantial military force, with historical records indicating that by the early eleventh century CE, the king could muster up to 200,000 soldiers. In addition to his military might, the king also managed the collection of taxes and gifts from subordinate chiefs and the lands they ruled. This system of taxes and tributes was integral to the wealth and stability of the empire, as well as the monarch's absolute authority over the region, mirroring the power dynamics found in contemporary European monarchies, albeit with a matrilineal succession.