Countries
	Argentina
	Brazil
	Cameroon
	Ghana
	Kenya
	Nigeria
	Philippines
Future countries
	China
	Colombia
	Haiti
	Latvia
	Romania
	Russia
	Rwanda
	Trinidad & Tobago
	Ukraine

Subscribe to newsletter

Name:

Email:

Send

Ghana

Ghana country information

Ghana is the first African country south of the Sahara to achieve independence in 1957.
Ghana lies at the heart of a region which has been leading sub-Saharan African culture since the first millennium BC in metal-working, mining, sculpture and agriculture.
Ghanaians belong to a large number of ethnic groups, approximately 100 ethno linguistic groups such as Akan (Asante, Fante, Akuapem, Bono, Denkyira), Dagomba, Ewe, Guan, Ga-Adangme, Wala, Builsa, Dagaaba. These are further subdivided into numerous cultural and linguistic units.

Under Akan, there are the Fantes, the Akuapems, the Kwahus, the Asante, the Akyims, the Denkyiras, the Akwamus and so forth. And within these groupings, there are sub divisions, as in tribes, clans and families.

Among the Ga-Adangme, there are the Gas, the Krobos, and the Adas.

In the three Northern Regions, there are the Dagarti, the Sisala, the Mamprusi, the Dagomba, the Konkomba and the Frafra among others.

Other groupings are the Guans, who are found all over Ghana, the Eves, who are not only in Ghana, but in Togo and Benin as well, and the Nzema who are also in The Ivory Coast.

All these groupings have different attendant dialects like Twi, Fanti, Asante, Nzema, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, and Guan. English, however, is the official language widely spoken throughout Ghana.

The population of Ghana stands at ?18,845,265, an increase of 53.3% over the 1984 population of 12,296,081 and represents a growth rate of 2.6% per year? according to Dr. K. A. Twum Baah, Acting Government Statistician and Census Coordinator.

?The most populous region is Ashanti which has 19.1% of total population. It is followed by Greater Accra (15.4%), and then Eastern Region (11.2%) densely populated region with 894.8 persons per square kilometre followed by Central (162.2) and Ashanti (147.6)?.
In spite of the considerable increase in the level of urbanization since 1984 (43.9% in 2000) compared to 32.0% in 1984) the rest of the country, except Greater Accra and Ashanti remain largely rural.

The predominant ethnic group is Akan (49.1%) followed by Mole Dagbani (16.5%), Ewe (12.7%) and Ga Adangme (8.0%).

Females constitute 50.0% of total population compared to 50.7% in 1984. Also, it is known, says the Census Coordinator, that there are more males than females at birth, but there are more male deaths at all ages, so that the sex ratio should show a gradual decrease with age.
The proportion of children is 40% in 1984, and the proportion of elderly has jumped from 4% in 1984 to 5.3 in 2000, the latter jumps is due to improved heath services and life expectance.
The results of all these changes are that the dependency population reduced from 49% in 1984 to 46.1% in 2000.

There are three main religious groups in Ghana: Traditional, 45%; Christian, 43%; and Moslem, 12% of the population. Churches of most major Christian denominations and mosques can be found in every region.

To the people of Ghana, the traditions of their ancestors are still an important part of their daily life. Traditional chiefs have historical authority over tribal and family matters. They are also custodians of land belonging to their respective clans or groups.

Important events such as child naming, puberty initiations, marriage and death are marked by rites and rituals at family gathering, while seasonal festivals bring a whole people or clan together.



This friendly and stable multi-party democratic republic on Africa's west coast enjoys an expanding and vibrant economy built on gold, precious minerals, cocoa, timber and tourism. Ghana is also rapidly developing an economy and infrastructure that should see her join the newly industrialized economies shortly. Ghana practices a liberalised economy with a floating currency and a wide use of foreign exchange bureau.

Ghana has attractive investment incentive and guarantees for local and foreign investors. What makes Ghana unique is its history and heritage portraying its coastal castles, grim relics of the slave trade and its many regional festivals. All these are becoming a focus for eco-tourism. As such, in 2001, Eco-fest, the first ever, was held in Ghana.

Ghana has hundreds of kilometers of unspoilt beaches, over 10, 000 hotel rooms in about 703 hotels, including 3, 4, 5 star hotels. There are top class restaurants, wildlife parks, and safe streets.

Undisputedly, Ghana's greatest asset is its people who are renowned the world over for their warmth, cheerfulness, and hospitality.

Ghana?s tourist Development Plan has produced far-reaching consequences.

With the holding of the African ? African American Summit in 2001, government has in 2002 granted dual citizenship to its citizens residing outside the country. Also visa and airport formalities have been simplified, restrictions on movements within the country abolished and currency exchange facilities at market rates introduced through out the country. The country?s political stability and low crime rate makes it one of the safest destinations in Africa.

Ghana has modern telecommunication facilities as well as first class seaports and a modernized international airport in Accra. Recent development of modern hotels, convention facilities and theatres has made Ghana Africa's newest tourist and convention destination with Europe and the United States as its biggest markets. Kotoka Airport in Accra seems set to become a significant hub linking flights between these areas with much of West, East and Southern Africa.

Several international airlines, including Ghana Airways, operate regular scheduled flights to Ghana from major cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Apart from the international airports Ghana also has domestic airports in Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale. There are two harbours in Tema and Tarkoradi and an inland port in Fumesua in the Ashanti Region.