Concept:The Bond of 1844 is regarded as the first political agreement that placed the Gold Coast under British protection and began formal colonial rule.Explanation:The Bond of 1844 was signed between the British and some Fante chiefs.It gave the British judicial and political authority over the signing states.This is considered the first political step toward formal British colonial rule in the Gold Coast.Other events such as the Poll Tax Ordinance and the Sagrenti War came later.Answer:A. signing of the bond of 1844.