Facts about Chingola copper mining town in Zambia
October 1, 2024
Facts about Kabwelume falls
October 3, 2024
Facts about Ghana
Ghana lies in West Africa adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea coast and the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of area, Ghana covers an area of about 239,567 square kilometers. The capital city of Ghana is Accra with a local meaning of ants which results from the several anthills that used to surround the city. To the East Ghana is neighbored by Togo, to the west Ivory coast and Burkina Faso in the North. Ghana is one of the second most populated countries in West Africa
You may also like;
The name Ghana is believed to have emerged from the Wagadu empire that existed from the 3rd to the 12th centuries as a title called Kaya Maghan given to the rulers of Wagadu The name Ghana was first recognized by the Arab traders that used to engage in the Trans-Sahara trade. Initially, Ghana was called the Gold coast Colony before independence
Ghana got her independence on 6th March 1957 and is a member of the commonwealth and 1st of July is the Republic day.
In terms of vegetation cover, Ghana has different vegetation zones that is Guinean forest Savannah Mosaic, Eastern Guinean forests, Western Sudanian Savannah, Guinean Mangroves, central African Mangroves and others.
As of now, Ghana has a population of about 34, 589, 092, a multicultural nation with Akan as the largest ethnic group and it’s main economic activity is agriculture with Cocoa as their main cash crop.
Brief history of Ghana
Ghana was a great destination for early Arab traders and was part of Great Trans-Saharan trade until the European invasion. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to deal in trade with the people of Ghana creating the Portuguese Gold Coast in the 15th century and later in 1598 the Dutch also joined this gold trade. Other European countries also joined this lucrative gold business in Ghana like the Germans, Swedish to mention but a few. The British also too control of some parts of Ghana and sighed them as British Gold Coast.
As the British took control of the Gold Cost colony they were met by some resistance from especially the Kingdom of Ashanti. The British Colonials were defeated sometimes and because of these resistances, in 1957 on the 6th of March Nkwame Nkrumah lead Ghana to her independence from the British and the country is progressing to date.
What Is The Geographical Location Of Ghana
The position of Ghana in Africa is in the western part with on the Gulf of Guinea. The country has a span of 560 kilometers on the Atlantic ocean. Ghana is crossed by the Prime meridian through Tema and is a few degrees north of the equator.
What are the Ethinic groups of Ghana
Ghana is a multicultural Nation with different tribes living within its boundaries including the Akan, Gurma, Mande, Mole Dagbon, Ewe, Gurunsi and others. The official language spoken in Ghana is English as an influence from the Colonia masters. French is also a common language spoken in Ghana because most of its neighbors are French speaking and for better trade amongst the locals. French is also taught in schools in order to ease communication with the neighbors of Ghana.
Other languages spoken in Ghana include Asante, Twi, Fante, Ewe, Guan, kasem to mention but a fwe
There is freedom of worship in Ghana so different religious denominations are recognized in this country like Muslims , Christians, Hindus, traditionalists and others. Different religious centers are situated in Ghana and when on ground, you can get to visit them.
What Are The Tourism Attractions Of Ghana?
Ghana has a variety of attractions ranging from human interactions to different features in the National Park. A few of the tourist attractions of Ghana includes the Kitampo water falls which is the largest in West Africa, Palm lined beach coast, Gold mine shafts, World Heritage Sites, significant castles like the Cape Coast Castle, save trade shelters where several victims’ blood was shed and much more. The Word Heritage Convention recognizes some of the Ghana Castes and Forts as Word Heritage sites.
Tourism in Ghana is one of the bestselling industries in the country and ranks in the 4th position as of now. The Ghana tourism also has other attractions including Kakuma National Park. The lake Volta in Ghana covers about 250 miles long covers 3283 square miles, Lake Bosumtwi with no inlet or outlet but only filled by rainfall. Contact our team for more information.
What is the Ghana Cuisines/ What to eat
The Ghanaians serve a variety of local cuisines worth adding to your list of what to taste while on a visit to Ghana but you need to find the most suitable food centers. A long list of menus are locally prepared including soups, drinks, seafood, vegetables and much more. In case you are a foodie, you need a local guide with knowledge of the best places where each is served.
Some of the local Ghana meals include Baku made from the ground corn, Fufu, Smoked fish, different vegetables to mention but a few.
Other than the local meals, some food centers in Ghana also serve cuisines from different parts of the worlds.
What Is The Economic Activity Of Ghana?
Ghana has traded in gold for so many years and is one of Africa’s top most gold selling countries. The industrialization of Ghana is one of the best in Africa procession mineral, agricultural materials and others. The presence of Akasombo Hydro Electricity Dam built in 1965 provides power supply which enables the growth of Industries in the country.
Amongst African countries, Ghana is believed to be one of the few developed countries with a growing economy that is graded to be in the middle income.
What Is The Music And Dances To Enjoy in Ghana
As mentioned earlier Ghana is multicultural so each tribe or ethnic group has differing music and dances. To bring out the best feeling of this music, local instruments are played including the Akan drums, koloto lute, goje fiddle, African jazz and much more. Most of the music in Ghana is sung in the local languages. Different Dances are performed on different occasions in Ghana including Azonto, Agbadza, Adowa, Borborbor, and others.
Ghanaians also wear a unique attire called Kente and is the native wear for the Akon people. The design of the design of these clothes was the initiative of the Akan ethnic group created in the 13th century. The Adinkra design were made for mainly the Royals and each design symbolized a proverb, human attitude, historical event , plant life form and much more coming in various colors.
What is the currency of Ghana
Ghana’s official currency is called Cedi ( GHS) but other international currencies can also be used like dollars, pounds, Euros and others. There also forex bureaus especially in the urban centers where you can change into local currency but be mindful of fraud stars
The call code for Ghana is +233
Is Ghana safe to visit?
Ghana is a safe country in Africa to visit but you must mind personal safety in case you have valuables on you. Try not to count large sums of money in public because you may attract the wrong company. While on holiday in Ghana, ensure your room is securely protected and try not to engage in unlawful deals.
In case you wish to visit Ghana, you need to book in advance so that all necessary arrangements can be made in advance. During the visit to Ghana, ensure you deal with the accredited companies to help make the right planning for your visit.
For those on self drive in Ghana, follow the recommended traffic rules and in case you are not sure of the directions in Ghana, you may hire a driver familiar with various places in Ghana. Driving in Ghana is on the right as Ghana was a British colony.
In case you loose direction while in Ghana, you can seek assistance from security officers or a responsible person close to you.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ghana?
Ghana is an interesting country to visit all year because each season has plenty to see but the most interesting period is the dry season for those interested in a visit to Ghana. There are so many attractions ranging from physical features to the locals people.
The dry season in Ghana is generally June, July, August, September, October, December and January when precipitation is lower and the environment favors moving around. You can traverse different parts of Ghana with the help of a guide in a vehicle or on foot. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we help you plan all necessary logistics that can support your Ghana tour.
Note that Ghana receives more visitors in the dry season and this is the peak tourism season too so advance booking is required. Tourism in destinations in Ghana attracts more visitors each year but with the help of our professional safari agents we can put together your preferred safari.
The wet season is also great timing to visit Ghana when most parts of the country are shaded with green. The wet season in Ghana is normally March to May and November and this is the planting season so most people in the countryside are busy in their gardens. You can visit other tourism attraction in Ghana to enjoy the adventures in this beautiful country.
For trading and other commercial businesses, Ghana is open all year no matter the season. In case you wish to visit Ghana, you need to know the season so as to pack in the most appropriate manner. Ghana gets very cold in some seasons even the evening get chilly especially in areas close to the ocean so you need to carry some warmers
Do I Need A Visa To Visit Ghana?
Every international traveler heading to Ghana must apply for a visa through the different consular of Ghana in there countries except those whose from countries that are excluded. In order to avoid wasting much time at immigration in Ghana, it is best to book in advance the visa. As you travel to Ghana, ensure you clear all necessary travel documents.
What Means Of Transport Are Used In Ghana?
Ghana is one of the fast growing countries in Africa with better infrastructure so while in the country, some of the means to get around include road transport, water transport, railway transport, water transport and others.
What is the demography of Ghana
According to the current census, Ghana is estimated to have a population of about 35 million in habitants.
What Is The International Airport Of Ghana
The Ghana international airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) other airports in Ghana include Kumasi airport, Sunyani Airport, Wa Airport, Navrongo Airport and others. It is best to plan your trip to Ghana in advance as obtain all the necessary travel documents to prevent inconveniences on arrival.
What Not To Do On Tour In Ghana
- Don’t engage in unlawful activities like dealing in drugs while in Ghana because you may end in the jails of Africa.
- Feeding wild animals in the game Parks of Ghana is forbidden as they are wild animals that must collect there own food.
- Never disrespect the local cultures because you offend the believer of these cultures
- Respect the Rules of Traffic because you may land into trouble or pay a high penalty
- Shouting or hooting wild on game drive in the National Park of Ghana is forbidden because you may anger the wild animals. This is also encroaching on the peace of these animals.
- Do not take photos of the locals without permission because this may offend them. it is also unlawful in Ghana.
- Don’t move alone in the night because you may land in the wrong hands.
- Try not to engage in politics while in Ghana because you may land on the wrong side of the government.
- Do not take photos of the government buildings and army barracks as this is illegal and you may be penalized for this.
- In case you have health problems, purchase travel insurance prior to travelling to Ghana so that in case of an emergency your medical expenses are covered.
Contact us for more information.
