Ghana Fact Sheet

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 country has a lot of attractions notably: rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, limestone, bauxite, iron ore as well as various clays and granite deposits.

Location

Ghana, the closest landmark to the centre of the world, is located on the west coast of Africa, about 750 km north of the equator on the Gulf of Guinea, between the latitudes of 4-11.5o north and longitude 3.11° West and 1.11° East. Tema, the industrial city, which is adjunct to Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is on the Greenwich Meridian (zero line of longitude).

Ghana is bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by La Cote D'lvoire, on the east by Togo and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea.

Land

The country has a total land area of 238,537 km2 (92,100 sq. miles) and stretches 672 km north-south and 536 km east-west.

Population

The population of Ghana is estimated at about 18.4 million and grows at 2.5% annually. Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country with the highest density occurring in urban and cocoa producing areas.
The population of Ghana comprises Christians, Traditional Religions and Muslims. While Christianity is the dominant religion, Islam and Traditional religions are also very well represented. Above all, there is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

Languages

Ghana's principal ethnic groups are the Akan (Twi and Fante speaking), the Guans, Ewes, Dagombas, Gas, Gonjas, Dagabas, Walas and Frafras. There are 56 Ghanaian dialects of which Akwapim Twi, Asante Twi, Fante, Dangbe, Ewe, Kasem, Gonja, Dagare, Ga, Dagbani and Nzema are the major languages. The official language of the country is English. French and Hausa are two major foreign languages spoken in the country.

Leisure

The country boasts of very good golf courses, safe and unspoiled beaches with world class hotels and restaurants. Most cities have many active 'Keep Fit Clubs’, which have members from different countries. There are also facilities for game fishing (mauling).