Tunka Manin’s rulership is used by historians as a model to measure and compare the success and effectiveness of other West African statesmen of the 500-1590 period. He was the most powerful leader of the Ghana Empire during the 11th century. He increased the wealth and power of his empire by controlling trade and levying taxes on the great amounts of salt and gold that passed through his territory. He was highly respectful of the community traditions through which he had achieved his exalted position. He rode through community streets daily to hear his constituents’ pleas and complaints, and he dispensed justice regularly.
