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INFORMATION ABOUT GHANA

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND .

Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast, became independent from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. It was the first black African colony to achieve independence. The period between the 15th and 19th centuries witnessed a power struggle for the country amongst European nations for fortunes in gold and ivory, following the advent of the Portuguese who discovered gold in 1471 and built Elmina castle in 1482. The other Europeans were the Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British. The battle for control and supremacy over the land culminated in the building of many forts and castles, which were used not only as trading posts but also as dungeons for the infamous slave trade. It is significant to note that out of the about 43 forts and castles in West Africa, 33 are in Ghana alone. Out of these about 25 are in good condition, including Elmina and Cape Coast castles and Fort St. Jago, all three of which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Monuments. (Cape Coast and Elmina are about a 3-hour drive from Accra.)

GEOGRAPHY

Ghana is located on the southern coast of West Africa. Its capital is Accra and it lies on the Greenwich Meridian. It is bordered to the east by Togo; to the west by Cote d‘Ivoire, to the north by Burkina Faso, and to the south by the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). It has a total landmass of 238,537 sq km. It is made up of 10 administrative regions each comprising districts which form the basic unit of administration and planning.
A visitor coming to Ghana can use the following major entry points.
Air: The Kotoka International Airport is the principal air entry point to Ghana.
Sea: Ghana boasts of two major ports, the Tema Port in the Greater Accra Region, some nine (9) kilometres south of the capital city, Accra, and the Takoradi Port located in the Western Region of the country.
Land:
There are three major entry points by land. On the west is the Elubo entry point between Ghana and Cote d‘Ivoire, on the east is the Aflao entry point between Ghana and Togo, and on the north is the Paga entry point between Ghana and Burkina Faso. All these entry points are staffed by qualified Immigration officers to ensure the security of visitors arriving or leaving the shores of Ghana.

REGIONS AND CAPITALS

Greater Accra - Accra
Ashanti - Kumasi
Brong Ahafo - Sunyani
Western - Sekondi/Takoradi
Central - Cape Coast
Eastern - Koforidua
Volta - Ho
Northern - Tamale
Upper West - Wa
Upper East - Bolgatanga

PEOPLE

Ghana is a peaceful and peace-loving country. All visitors are received warmly and sincerely no matter their race, religion, nationality or sex. Ghanaians are often referred to as ‘Africa’s Friendliest People’. This is because they are fun-loving and cheerful people, who are proud of their country, its languages, traditions and standing and are keen that the visitor should understand and appreciate what the country has to offer. It is a free and independent society where much emphasis is placed on courtesy and politeness. A handshake is the key to everything. The people will often receive you with a popular welcome greeting, Akwaaba!

LANGUAGE

English is the official language, but there are 56 Ghanaian main languages and dialects. The principal languages and ethnic groups include the Akan (Twi and Fante-speaking), Ewe, Ga and Hausa.

RELIGION

The population of Ghana comprises Christians, Traditional Religions and Muslims. While Christianity is the dominant religion (68.8%), Islam (15.9%) and Traditional Religions (8.5%) are also well represented. A significant proportion (6.1%) has no religious affiliation. The Constitution guarantees complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

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