Ghana is located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Its geographic coordinates range from approximately 4° N to 12° N latitude and 2° W to 3° E longitude.
Geography
Climate:
Ghana’s climate is predominantly tropical, characterized by two main seasons: the rainy season from April to October and the dry Harmattan season from November to March. The southern regions experience a wetter climate with lush rainforests, while the north has a more arid savanna climate.
Fauna:
Ghana boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and various species of antelope. The country is also home to a rich avian population, with numerous bird species inhabiting its forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Longest Rivers:
The Volta River is Ghana’s longest river, flowing approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) from its source in Burkina Faso through Ghana and into the Gulf of Guinea. The river and its tributaries provide vital water resources for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and transportation.
Highest Mountains:
Ghana’s highest peak is Mount Afadja, located in the Volta Region near the border with Togo. It rises to an elevation of approximately 885 meters (2,904 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
History
Prehistory:
Ghana’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation found in archaeological sites across the country. The region was inhabited by various indigenous ethnic groups, including the Akan, Ewe, Ga-Dangme, and Mole-Dagbon.
Ancient Kingdoms:
Ghana was home to several powerful ancient kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Aksum, which flourished from the 9th to the 12th centuries. The Aksumites were known for their advanced civilization, trade networks, and monumental architecture.
Transatlantic Slave Trade:
Ghana played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, with European colonial powers establishing forts and trading posts along the coast to facilitate the capture and transport of enslaved Africans to the Americas. The abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century marked a turning point in Ghana’s history.
Independence and Modern Age:
Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, played a leading role in the struggle for independence and the Pan-African movement. Since independence, Ghana has made strides in democratic governance, economic development, and social progress.
Demographics
Ghana has a population of approximately 31 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in West Africa. The population is ethnically diverse, with over 100 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. The Akan, Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, and Ga-Dangme are among the largest ethnic groups in Ghana.
Religion:
Christianity and Islam are the two dominant religions in Ghana, with approximately 70% of the population identifying as Christian and 30% as Muslim. Traditional African religions also coexist with Christianity and Islam, particularly in rural areas.
Administrative Divisions
Ghana is divided into 16 regions, each with its own regional capital and administrative structure. The administrative divisions of Ghana, along with their respective populations, are as follows:
- Ashanti Region – Population: 5.5 million
- Brong-Ahafo Region – Population: 2.9 million
- Central Region – Population: 2.2 million
- Eastern Region – Population: 3.1 million
- Greater Accra Region – Population: Approximately 4.0 million
- Northern Region – Population: 2.5 million
- Upper East Region – Population: 1.3 million
- Upper West Region – Population: 0.8 million
- Volta Region – Population: 2.5 million
- Western Region – Population: 2.4 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in Ghana by population include:
- Accra – Population: 2.5 million
- Kumasi – Population: 2.1 million
- Tamale – Population: 0.9 million
- Sekondi-Takoradi – Population: 0.6 million
- Ashaiman – Population: 0.5 million
- Sunyani – Population: 0.4 million
- Cape Coast – Population: 0.3 million
- Koforidua – Population: 0.3 million
- Wa – Population: 0.3 million
- Techiman – Population: 0.2 million
Education Systems
Education:
Education in Ghana is free, compulsory, and accessible to all children from primary to secondary level. The government has made significant investments in education, with a focus on improving literacy rates and expanding access to higher education.
Top Universities:
Some of the top universities in Ghana include:
- University of Ghana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
- University of Cape Coast
- University of Education, Winneba
- University for Development Studies
Transportation
Airports:
Ghana has several airports, with Kotoka International Airport in Accra being the main gateway for international flights. Other major airports include Kumasi International Airport, Tamale International Airport, and Takoradi Airport.
Railways:
Ghana’s railway network is currently undergoing expansion and modernization, with plans to improve connectivity and facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers across the country.
Highways:
The country has an extensive network of highways and roads, connecting major cities and regions. The major highways include the N1, N2, N6, N8, and N10, which link Accra to other urban centers and neighboring countries.
Ports:
Ghana has several major ports, including the Port of Tema and the Port of Takoradi, which serve as vital hubs for maritime trade and commerce in the West African region.
Country Facts
- Population: 31 million
- Capital: Accra
- Official Language: English
- Religion: Christianity, Islam, Traditional African religions
- Ethnic Groups: Akan, Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, Ga-Dangme
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- ISO Country Code: GH
- International Calling Code: +233
- Top-Level Domain: .gh