Nationalism played a crucial role in the struggle for independence in West Africa by way of fostering a sense of community among the people and

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks how nationalism helped West African independence struggles. It says nationalism fostered a sense of community and something else. We need the option that best completes this idea.

Step 2: Explain the concept Nationalism is the feeling of unity, shared identity, and pride among people who want self-rule. In West Africa (for example, Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone), nationalists such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, and Obafemi Awolowo used newspapers, political parties (NCNC, CPP, NCBWA), and mass rallies. These made ordinary people aware of their political rights and of colonial injustice. That awareness is called political consciousness, and it pushed people to demand independence.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Abhorrence of Western style of governance: Wrong. Nationalists opposed colonial rule, not Western governance itself. Many of them adopted Western-style democracy.
• B. Civil disobedience and killings of white officials: Wrong. Civil disobedience was used in some places (for example, Nkrumah's "Positive Action"), but the killing of white officials was not a general method. West African nationalism was largely peaceful and constitutional.
• C. Dismantling of artificial borders: Wrong. The colonial boundaries were kept after independence (the OAU in 1963 even affirmed them).
• D. Political consciousness: Correct. Nationalism united people and raised their awareness of political rights, which fueled demands for self-government.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. political consciousness.

Tip: In "nationalism" questions, look for words like awareness, unity, mobilization, and self-determination. Be wary of options that mention violence or rejecting everything Western, because WASSCE answers usually reflect the peaceful, constitutional nature of West African nationalism.