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Country Fact File : Ghana
Volunteer in Ghana

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Country Fact File

Ghana Flag Quite simply, Ghana is one of the friendliest countries in the world. It’s an ideal place for first time visitors for Africa, who want to experience the real thing, to be immersed in communities and the West African lifestyle. The country has a laid back attitude which means that things tend not to happen in ‘real time’, but it doesn’t take long to settle into this novel way of living your life! Ghana is a country incredibly rich in culture, and the home to one of Africa’s greatest ever kingdoms. One of the most visible cultural contributions from modern Ghana is Kente cloth, which is widely recognized and valued for its colours and symbolism. It is one of the symbols of the Ghanaian chieftaincy, which remains strong throughout the country.
Travel in Ghana is a must – but always be prepared for things to take time. Visitors are welcomed everywhere – take a trip to some of the slave trading castles along the coastline and discover the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade; head to Kumasi to shop in Africa’s largest open air market and discover the traditions of the Ashanti people, or head north to Mole National Park to take part in a walking safari through the park, and hear your own heart beating as you stand within metres of one of Africa’s most majestic animals, the African elephant.

Location	Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Area	239,460 sq km
Border Countries	Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo
Climate	Tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Terrain	Mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Highest Point	Mount Afadjato 880 m)
Natural Hazards	Dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts
Environmental Issues	Recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water
Population	21,029,853 (July 2005 est)
Ethnic Groups	Black African 98.5% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5%
Religions	Christian 63%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 21%
Languages	English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)
Type of Government	Constitutional Democracy
Capital	Accra
Independence Day	6 March 1957 (from UK)
Chief of State/ Head of Government	President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January 2001)
Currency	cedi (GHC)
Time	GMT

Did you know?

Arthur Wharton, who came to the UK from Ghana in 1882 and lived there until he died in the 1930s, was Britain’s first black professional footballer.

42 of Ghana’s forts and castles including Elmina and Cape Coast Castles are recognised by UNESCO as World I Heritage Monuments.

Formerly the Gold Coast, Ghana became independent from Britain on March 6. 1957, the first black African colony to achieve its independence.

Useful Numbers & Web Addresses

International dialing code: +233

Police tel: 191

Ambulance tel: 193

British High Commission in Ghana: British High Commission, Osu Link off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, PO Box 296, Accra. Tel: (00) (233) (21) 221665 or (00) (233) (21) 7010650. Web: http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/ghana

Ghanaian embassy in UK: 13 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PN. Tel: (020) 7235 4142. Web: http://www.ghana-com.co.uk