GHANA

Date of establishment: March 6, 1957

Brief history:

Pre-colonial period: Ghana was inhabited by various ethnic groups such as the Akan (including the Ashanti and Fanti), Ga, and Dagomba, among others. The area was known for its rich culture, trade networks, and powerful kingdoms, including the Ashanti Empire, which was a dominant force in the region.

1471: Portuguese navigators, including João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar, first reached the coast of what is now Ghana.

1482: Portuguese explorer Diogo de Azambuja built the Elmina Castle, establishing the first permanent European settlement on the Gold Coast.

1591: Moroccan forces defeated the Songhai Empire, which indirectly impacted the region that is present-day Ghana, although the Ghana Empire itself had fallen earlier, around the 11th century.

1874: The British formally declared the Gold Coast a colony, which included the territory of modern-day Ghana. This followed a series of conflicts and treaties with local kingdoms, particularly the Ashanti Empire.

1947: The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), the first significant political organization pushing for self-governance, was formed.

1949: Kwame Nkrumah broke away from the UGCC to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP), which demanded “self-government now.”

1951: Kwame Nkrumah won the legislative elections, becoming the Leader of Government Business.

1957: On March 6, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah became the first Prime Minister and later the first President when Ghana declared itself a republic in 1960.

1960: Ghana became a republic with Kwame Nkrumah as its first President, following a referendum.

1966: A military coup, led by the National Liberation Council, overthrew Nkrumah while he was on a state visit to China and North Vietnam.

1972: Another coup brought Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong to power, leading to a period of military rule.

1979: Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings led a coup, which resulted in a brief return to civilian rule under President Hilla Limann.

1981: Rawlings led another coup, overthrowing Limann and establishing the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

1992: Ghana adopted a new constitution, transitioning to a multi-party democratic system. Jerry John Rawlings won the presidential election and served as the first president of the Fourth Republic.

2000: John Agyekum Kufuor was elected president, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between two democratically elected leaders in Ghana’s history. His administration focused on economic growth and development.

2008: John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the presidential election, further consolidating Ghana’s democratic credentials.

2012: John Dramani Mahama became president following the death of John Atta Mills. He won the subsequent presidential election later that year.

2016: Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the presidential election, continuing the tradition of peaceful democratic transitions.

 

International abbreviation: GH

 

Currency: Ghanaian cedi (GHS)

The Ghanaian cedi (GHS) has been the official currency of Ghana since 1965, replacing the Ghanaian pound. The current cedi, known as the Ghanaian new cedi (GHS), was introduced in 2007 as part of a redenomination process to address inflation and simplify financial transactions. One hundredth of a cedi is called a pesewa.

The denominations of coins currently in circulation are 1 pesewa, 5 pesewas, 10 pesewas, 20 pesewas, 50 pesewas, 1 cedi, and 2 cedis. The banknotes are issued in denominations of 1 cedi, 2 cedis, 5 cedis, 10 cedis, 20 cedis, 50 cedis, 100 cedis, and 200 cedis.

 

Internet domain: .gh

 

Dialing code: +233

 

Time zone: 0 GMT

 

Geography:

Ghana is a West African country located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east.

The country’s geography is quite diverse, featuring coastal plains, savannas, forests, and mountain ranges. The coastal plain is characterized by sandy beaches and lagoons, while the central part of the country has forested hills and valleys. The northern regions are primarily savanna and grasslands.

Ghana is home to several significant rivers, with the largest being the Volta River, which flows southward through the country into the Gulf of Guinea. The Volta River system includes two main tributaries, the Black Volta and the White Volta. Other important rivers include the Ankobra and the Tano.

Lake Volta, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, was created by the construction of the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River in 1965. It plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, providing hydroelectric power, irrigation, and transportation.

The country also features several mountain ranges, with the highest point being Mount Afadja (Afadjato), in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges located in the eastern part of the country.

 

Highest peak: Mont Afadja 885 m a.s.l. (2 904 feet above sea level)

Mount Afadja is the highest mountain in Ghana. It is located in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges, which are on the border between Ghana and Togo.

The mountain is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Ghana and Togo. The summit can be reached by a trail from the village of Liati Wote, which is located at the foot of the mountain.

 

Climate:

Ghana has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The country’s annual rainfall varies significantly by region, ranging from about 800 mm (31 inches) in the north to over 2,200 mm (87 inches) in the southwest.

Ghana’s climate typically consists of two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is further divided into two parts: the major rainy season from April to June and the minor rainy season from September to November. The dry season also has two parts: the Harmattan season from December to February, characterized by dry, dusty winds blowing from the Sahara Desert, and the relatively dry period from July to August, known as the minor dry season.

Temperatures in the country are high throughout the year and usually range between 25-32 °C (77-90°F), with higher temperatures in the northern regions and slightly lower temperatures along the coast due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. During the dry season, temperatures can rise even higher, particularly in the north, reaching up to 40°C (104°F).

During the rainy season, Ghana can experience flooding and soil erosion, which can negatively impact agriculture and infrastructure. The southern part of the country, especially the coastal areas, tends to receive more rainfall compared to the northern regions, which are more prone to drought.

 

Fauna and flora:

Ghana is home to African elephants, particularly in protected areas such as Mole National Park and Kakum National Park. Bui National Park also hosts a population of elephants. Although lion populations have declined in West Africa, efforts are underway to reintroduce them to areas such as Mole National Park. Leopards are found in various parts of the country, including forested areas and savannas.

African buffalo live in several national parks and reserves. Various species of antelope, such as waterbuck, hartebeest, bushbuck, and duiker, are common in the savannas and grasslands. The Volta River system is home to hippos and crocodiles. The country is a paradise for bird watchers, with more than 700 species recorded, including vibrant species like the African grey parrot, hornbills, and kingfishers. Different species of monkeys, such as colobus, green monkeys, and Diana monkeys, are also found in Ghana.

The southern part of Ghana is covered with lush tropical rainforests. These forests are home to a variety of plant species, including various hardwoods such as mahogany, ebony, and wawa (triplochiton). The forests also harbor numerous epiphytes and lianas. In the north are savanna grasslands with tree species such as shea, acacia, and baobabs. Mangrove forests are found along the coast and in estuaries, providing key habitats for marine life and protecting against erosion.

Ghana has a rich tradition of herbal medicine. Plants such as neem (Azadirachta indica), moringa (Moringa oleifera), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) are commonly used for their medicinal properties. The country’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot in West Africa.

 

Agriculture:

Ghana is one of the largest cocoa producers in the world. Cocoa is a major export product and contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy. Cocoa plantations are located mainly in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Central regions, where the climatic conditions are suitable for its cultivation.

Palm oil is another important agricultural product, although it is more commonly produced for local consumption than export. Other significant crops include rice, maize (corn), cassava, and yam. A wide variety of vegetables and fruits are cultivated, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, pineapples, bananas, mangoes, and plantains. Ghana is also known for its production of spices and herbs such as chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta).

Livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, is practiced in various parts of the country, with cattle rearing being particularly prominent in the northern regions. The northern areas also support the cultivation of millet and sorghum, which are staple crops in those regions.

Aquaculture and fishing are important for local consumption, especially along the coast and around Lake Volta. The agricultural sector remains a crucial part of Ghana’s economy, providing employment for a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security and rural development. Efforts to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability are ongoing, including initiatives to modernize farming techniques and improve access to markets.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

Ghana is one of the leading countries in Africa for gold mining, with a long history dating back to pre-colonial times. Gold mining is a significant contributor to the Ghanaian economy, and the main mining areas are the Ashanti Region, the Western Region, and the Eastern Region.

Ghana also mines diamonds, although their production is lower than that of gold. Diamonds are primarily mined in the Akwatia area of the Eastern Region. Additionally, Ghana has bauxite deposits, a raw material for aluminum production, which are mined in the Ashanti Region, the Western Region, and the Central Region.

Ghana is also an oil producer. Offshore oil production began in 2010 after the discovery of the Jubilee oil field off the coast of Ghana. This discovery significantly contributed to the growth of the Ghanaian economy and increased investment in the energy sector.

Timber is another important natural resource. The country has extensive forest areas where timber is harvested for both local use and export. Timber is used in the furniture and construction industries, and Ghana exports various types of wood, including mahogany and teak.

Stone and gravel quarrying is also an important resource extraction industry in Ghana. These materials are essential for construction and infrastructure development within the country.

 

Industry:

The food industry is one of the largest sectors in Ghana, encompassing the processing of agricultural products such as cocoa, palm oil, fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Cocoa is a key export, and Ghana has a well-developed cocoa processing industry that produces cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate. The country’s Atlantic coastline supports a significant fishing industry, which includes both marine and inland fisheries, with substantial fish processing and export activities.

In addition to food processing, Ghana’s industrial landscape includes mining and minerals processing, with the country being one of Africa’s leading producers of gold. The mining sector also involves the extraction and processing of other minerals like bauxite, manganese, and diamonds. The oil and gas industry has become a crucial part of Ghana’s economy since the discovery of oil in the Jubilee field in 2007 and the start of production in 2010, covering exploration, production, and refining activities.

The timber and wood processing industry is essential due to Ghana’s extensive forest resources, producing lumber, plywood, and furniture for both domestic use and export. The textiles and garments industry is growing, producing various fabrics, including traditional kente cloth, and ready-made garments for local and international markets. The construction materials industry is expanding to meet the infrastructure development demands, manufacturing cement, steel, and building materials. Additionally, Ghana has a burgeoning pharmaceutical industry that manufactures a range of generic medicines and healthcare products for local consumption and export within the West African region.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: tourism, transport, and services

 

Natural and historical attractions: Elmina and Cape Coast castles, Kumasi and Accra cities, and Kakum and Mole national parks.

The most important tourist attractions in Ghana include Elmina Castle, which was built by Portuguese colonists in 1482 and served as a trading post for slaves and gold. Another significant historical site is Cape Coast Castle, also involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Both castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide profound insights into the history of slavery.

Mole National Park, the largest wildlife refuge in Ghana, is another major attraction, offering opportunities to see elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species. Lake Bosumtwi, a natural lake formed by a meteorite impact, is a popular destination for fishing and boating. Lake Volta, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, created by the Akosombo Dam, is significant for hydroelectric power, fishing, and water sports.

Ghana’s beautiful beaches and popular resorts, such as Kokrobite, Busua, and Labadi Beach in Accra, attract many visitors. Tourists can also explore traditional villages to experience local culture, dance, music, and crafts, including the famous kente cloth weaving in the town of Bonwire. The annual Panafest and Homowo festivals are significant cultural events celebrating Ghanaian heritage and traditions.

Additionally, Kakum National Park, with its famous canopy walkway, provides an exciting experience of the rainforest and its biodiversity. Wli Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in West Africa, located in the Volta Region, is another natural attraction drawing tourists to Ghana.

 

 

Form of government: presidential republic

Ghana is a presidential republic with a unitary system of government. The president is both the head of state and the head of government and holds executive power. The Parliament of Ghana is unicameral, consisting of only one chamber, the National Assembly.

The National Assembly has 275 members who are elected for four-year terms. Parliament has the power to pass laws, approve the state budget, and exercise oversight over the executive branch.

The country is divided into sixteen regions, each further divided into districts and municipalities. Each region is headed by a Regional Minister appointed by the president, who serves as the representative of the executive branch in that region.

The judicial system in Ghana is independent and is based on the common law tradition inherited from the British colonial period. The judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice and includes the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court, along with lower courts and tribunals. The Supreme Court is the highest court and has the authority to interpret the constitution, adjudicate disputes between regions, and review laws passed by Parliament to ensure their constitutionality. Judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council and with the approval of Parliament.

 

Capital city: Accra

Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is located in the southeast of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Accra serves as an important economic, political, and cultural center of the country, hosting numerous key institutions such as ministries, banks, embassies, and international organizations.

Accra’s top tourist attractions include the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the founder of independent Ghana and features his mausoleum and a museum. The National Museum of Ghana showcases artifacts from Ghanaian history and culture, providing insights into the nation’s heritage. Labadi Beach, one of the city’s most popular beaches, attracts both tourists and locals with its vibrant atmosphere and recreational activities.

Other notable attractions in Accra include Independence Square, also known as Black Star Square, which is an important site for national celebrations and events. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan-African Culture is another significant landmark, dedicated to the life and work of the African-American scholar and civil rights activist.

Accra faces challenges related to pollution and infrastructure. Rapid urbanization has led to issues such as traffic congestion, inadequate waste management, and insufficient housing.

The city has a population of about 2 720 000.

 

Area: 238 535 km2 (92 099 square miles)

 

Population: 33 476 000 (2022)

The largest ethnic group in Ghana is the Akan, who make up about 47% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Mole-Dagbani (16%), the Ewe (13%), and the Ga-Adangbe (7%). There are also other smaller ethnic groups such as the Gurma, Guan, and Grusi.

Ghana has a significant Muslim community, comprising about 18% of the population, primarily located in the northern part of the country. The majority religion is Christianity, which accounts for about 71% of the population, encompassing various denominations such as Protestantism, Catholicism, and Pentecostalism. Traditional African religions are also practiced by a smaller percentage of the population.

The official language of Ghana is English, which is used in government, education, and the media. However, many other languages are spoken in the country, reflecting its ethnic diversity. These include Akan languages (such as Twi and Fante), Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, and many others.

In recent decades, Ghana has experienced significant urbanization, with many people migrating from rural areas to cities. The two largest cities, Accra (the capital) and Kumasi (the capital of the Ashanti Region), have seen substantial population growth. This urban migration is driven by the search for better employment opportunities, education, and services. Despite urbanization, a significant portion of the population still resides in rural areas and is engaged in agriculture.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 2

 

  1. Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions (1979) – This includes a series of fortified trading posts and castles built between the 15th and 18th centuries along the Ghanaian coast. These structures were established by various European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and others. Notable sites include Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle, and Fort St. Jago.
  2. Asante Traditional Buildings (1980) – This site includes the remains of traditional Asante buildings, which are mainly shrines. These buildings represent the last material remains of the great Asante civilization, with their unique architecture and decorations reflecting the cultural heritage of the Ashanti people.

 

National parks: 6

 

  1. Mole National Park
  2. Kakum National Park
  3. Bia National Park
  4. Digya National Park
  5. Bui National Park
  6. Kyabobo National Park