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The word Ghana means "Warrior King" and it derives from the ancient Ghana Empire. This land was in fact inhabited in pre-colonial times by a number of ancient predominantly Akan Kingdoms.
Trade with European states flourished after contact with the Portuguese in the 15th century. Eventually it would become a British Crown colony called Gold Coast.
The merger of Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, officially formed Ghana in 1957, and it became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and a ban on political parties.
After a ten-year hiatus, political parties became legal again and many parties were formed. The major parties are the National Democratic Congress, the New Patriotic party and the Convention People’s Party.
Ghana has many natural resources, giving it a much higher per capita output than the poorer countries in West Africa. However, it is still dependent on trade and international assistance.
During colonial times, Ghana was best known for its gold and today is still a top producer of the world’s gold. Ghana also exports cocoa, timber, electricity, diamonds, bauxite and manganese.
Recently (2007), an oilfield was discovered and oil exploration continues along with the production of oil.
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- Official Name Republic of Ghana
- Population 23,350,927
- Capital City Accra (pop. 2,905,726)
- Currency Cedi
- Currency Converter
- Languages English (official), and others
- Religions Local traditions, Muslim, Christian
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- Land Area 238,540 sq km (92,100 sq miles)
- Highest Point Mount Afadjato, 880 m (2,887 ft)
- Lowest Point Gulf of Guinea, 0 m (0 ft)
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Dissected by the largest artificial lake on the planet (Lake Volta), nearly 50% of Ghana lies less than 152 meters (499 ft) above sea level.
The country's coastline is low and sandy, backed by plains and scrub and intersected by several rivers and streams, most of which are navigable only by canoe.
A tropical rain forest belt (central and east) broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers, extends northward from the coastline. To the north of this region the country varies from 91 to 396 meters (299 to 1,299 ft) above sea level and is covered by low bush, park-like savanna, and scattered grassy plains.
Formed by the Akosombo Dam, and completed in 1965, Lake Volta is the largest reservoir by surface area in the world, and the fourth largest one by water volume. It is located completely within Ghana, and it has a surface area of about 8,502 km² (3,275 square miles).
In the north the Oti and the Black Volta and White Volta rivers drain into Lake Volta, which then flows south to the sea. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 5° 33' N, 0° 12' W
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Thanks to its friendly people, improving infrastructure and diverse cultures, Ghana is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists.
The country is known for many miles of stunning beaches, interesting remnants of its European colonial past, the lively city of Accra, Lake Volta, and the parks and wildlife of its central and northern reaches.
Arguably the main major attraction in Ghana is the Ashanti Region in the center of the country. It's home to numerous small lakes, waterfalls, national parks, and birds and wildlife sanctuaries. Notable are the Owabi Arboretum and Bomgobiri wildlife sanctuaries.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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The climate in Ghana is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry.
There are two distinct rainy seasons in the south: May-June and August-September; in the north, the rainy seasons tend to merge.
A dry northeasterly wind, the Harmattan, blows in January and February. Annual rainfall in the coastal zone averages 83 centimeters (33 in.)
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The faces of Ghana...
Cooking a tasty meal...
Fishing boats along the Atlantic Ocean, Ghana... |
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