Everything you need to know about Ghana: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Ghana: The Gold Mine of Africa

Ghana's history is marked by a number of colonial conquests that exploited this country for their commercial purposes and also used the native people as slaves. Around 15 th century it came under the rule of Portuguese colonizers who after having found much gold in the Volta river basin named it Mina. Next, the English colonialists took over the Gold Coast followed by the French who named the area to its west as Cote d'Ivoire. Later the Britishers took over its major area after defeating the Ashanti and other powerful kingdoms. It won back its independence in the year 1957.

Ghana Fast Facts :

• National Name : Republic of Ghana
• National Capital : Accra
• Total Area : 238,533 sq km (92,098 sq miles)
• Total Population : 23.9 million (UN, 2008)
• Ethnic races : Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)
• Religions : Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
• Currency : Cedi
• GDP per capita (PPP) : $1,400 (2007 est.)
• Languages : Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)
• Life expectancy : 60 years (men), 60 years (women) (UN)
• Literacy Rate : 75% (2003 est.)

Ghana Geography, Climate and Economy :

The Terrain of Ghana mostly consists of low-lying, flat plains along with a dissected plateau in the south. Its coastline is 537 km long characterized by low and sandy shores having several rivers. The northern side of the country consists of tropical rain forests dissected by hills and rivers.

The climate of Ghana is generally tropical. The annual temperature of the country remains between 26 and 29 degree Celsius. In the southeastern coast there is a warm and dry climate while hot and humid climate characterizes the southwest part. In the north it experiences hot and dry climate and the Kwahu Plateau situated in this part forms an important climatic divide.

Ghana comprises ample natural resources and was thereby exploited by the colonial powers. Agriculture forms an important part of its domestic economy accounting to over 35% of the GDP. It largely remains financially dependent on international assistance and gold and cocoa production forms the major part of its foreign exchange. Other than this Ghana's natural resource consists of bauxite, manganese, hydropower, petroleum, limestone and timber.

Culture and Cuisine of Ghana:

Ghana incorporates a number of different ethnic groups that have varied cultural follow-ups differing in tradition. The largest ethnic section comprises of Akans along with other societies like Dagomba, Ewe, Ga, Guan and Adangbe. Besides this, there are several museums and cultural centers that still uphold the traditional and ancient relics of the past.

The cuisine of Ghana varies among different ethnic groups having different culinary cultures. Some of the popular Ghanian dishes include Waakye, Fufu, Banku, Kokonte, Gari, Omo Tuo and many others. Kontomire is the most popular Ghanian dish, which is served with rice and stew.

Tourist Attractions in Ghana :

Accra, the capital city of Ghana offers a plethora of tourist sites. Makola Market is an splendid and resourceful open market that has flourished due to the Ghanian women business expertise. Besides this, there is a National Museum, which incorporates a collection of historical relics featuring Ghana's past and colonial history. Then there are some European built castles and forts, which are regarded as the World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO.

Some Other Tourist Sites are :

• Elmina castle
• St Jago castle
• Cape coast castle
• Larabanga Mosque
• Mole National Park
• Akosombo Dam
• Leydsaamheyd Fort
• Larabanga
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park