ABOUT GHANA















Figure 8: Ghana Map (source: www.worldatlas.com) 
Geography
Ghana is a West African country, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Cote d'Ivoire to the West, Togo to the East, Burkina Faso to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the South. It lies just above the equator and is on the Greenwich meridian line.
Climate
Ghana is warm and humid all year. The temperatures range from lows of 64°F (18°C) to slightly over 90°F (32°C) in the hottest months.
There are two rainy seasons, with the heaviest rains occurring between April and July.
History
The name Ghana is derived from the medieval Mali Empire which was also known as the Ghana Empire of West Africa. Ghana was the title of the Kings who ruled the kingdom then controlled by Sundiata Keita, founder of the Mali Empire in 1240 AD.
The Portuguese were the first white merchants to arrive in Gold Coast in the 15th century to trade mainly in gold, diamonds and ivory. The Dutch joined them in 1598.
The British took over the Southern part of Ghana when the Dutch withdrew in 1874. At the time the Ashanti Empire controlled the Northern part of Ghana. In 1902 the British gained full control of Gold Coast by defeating the Ashantis.
The British ruled until March 6th, 1957 when Ghana gained independence and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah became the first Ghanaian Prime Minister. English is the official language of Ghana.














Figure 9: Cape Coast Castle
Economy
Ghana is among the top ten producers of gold and is the second largest exporter of cocoa in the world . Oil production at Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December 2010.  The recent discovery and commencement of oil production has contributed to Ghana’s current position as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
















Figure 10: Ghana’s National Soccer Team (“The Black Stars”)
People
The population is almost exclusively African, as Ghana has no history of intensive European settlement. There is a small Lebanese community, whose members settled in the country as traders. Immigration from other African countries, notably Burkina Faso, Togo, Liberia, and Nigeria, is significant. 
English is the official language of Ghana.
Fun Facts
  • The name “Ghana” means warrior king
  • Ghana was the first country in Africa to gain independence
  • Lake Volta, in the south-eastern part of Ghana is the largest artificial lake in the world. The lake was created when the Akosombo hydro-electric dam was built in 1964
  • Ghana had the best performance of any African team in the 2010 FIFA world cup where they reached the quarter finals
  • The Ghana National under 20 football team (“the Black Satellites”) are the current FIFA under 20 World Champions
  • A special marching parade is organized annually, to remember all those who fought for Ghana's freedom
  • Ghana is surrounded by French speaking countries being: Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo
  • The popular Bermudian name “Kwame” has its origins in Ghana. It literally means “born on a Saturday”
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