Some Interesting Info on Ghana
Location
Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa, about 750 km north of the equator on the Gulf of Guinea, between the latitudes of 4-11.5_ north. The capital, Accra, is on the Greenwich meridian (zero line of longitude). The country has a total land area of 238,305 km2 and is bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by Cote d'lvoire, on the east by Togo and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea. The land area stretches for 672 km north-south and 536 km east-west.
Historical background
Until its independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957, Ghana was called the "Gold Coast", a name given it by early Portuguese explorers who first set foot on the shores of the country in the fifteenth century. The name aptly described the country's wealth in gold and natural resources, which include to the present day:
Rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, iron ore and various clay and salt deposits
Extensive, rich forests with a wide range of fine tropical hardwoods
A wide variety of agricultural products and rich fishing resources
Unique tourist attractions, including beautiful landscapes, inviting sunshine, golden beaches, wildlife parks, the country-side with its rich cultural heritage, and the proverbial warmth and hospitality of the people
During various periods from the time the Portuguese discovered gold in 1471 to independence in 1957, the monarchs of several European kingdoms, notably Denmark, England, Holland, Prussia and Sweden, sent hordes of explorers and merchants to the country for its abundant wealth, both natural and human. They battled for supremacy and control over the land, and built forts and castles which also served as trading posts. Vestiges of the extent of European colonial presence and concentration of activity in the country are evidenced by the fact that 29 of the 32 European colonial forts and castles dotted along the coast of west Africa are in Ghana.
Land
The coastal area of Ghana consists of plains and numerous lagoons near the estuaries of rivers. The land is relatively flat and the altitude is generally below 500 m, with more than half of the country below 200 m. The Volta River basin dominates the country's river system and includes the 8,480 km2 Lake Volta (the largest artificial lake in the world), formed behind the Akosombo hydroelectric dam. In the north, the predominant vegetation is savannah and shrub, while the south has an extensive rain forest.
Climate
Ghana has a tropical climate, characterized most of the year by moderate temperatures (generally 21-32 � C (70-90 � F)), constant breezes and sunshine. There are two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, separated by a short dry season in August and a relatively long dry season in the south from mid-October to March. Annual rainfall in the south averages 2,030 mm but varies greatly throughout the country, with the heaviest rainfall in the western region and the lowest in the north.
Population
The population of Ghana is 18.3 million (1990 estimate), with 45 per cent under 15 years of age. The country has on average a population density of about 52 persons per square kilometre. With an annual growth rate of 3.2 per cent, Ghana's population may reach over 19 million by the year 2000.
Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country, with the highest densities occurring in urban areas and cocoa- producing areas. The largest regions in terms of population are Ashanti (about 2 million), eastern (about 1.7 million) and greater Accra (about 1.5 million).
Languages
Ghana's principal ethnic groups are the Akans (Twi- and Fante-speaking), the Guans, Ewes, Dagombas, Gas, Gonjas, Dagabas, Walas and Frafras. Twi, Fante, Ga, Hausa, Dagbani, Ewe and Nzema are the major languages, but the official language of the country is English.
Education
There are numerous grammar, secondary, basic, commercial, technical and vocational educational institutions throughout Ghana. There are four universities: University of Ghana at Legon and Accra, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Science and Technology at Kumasi and the University of Development Studies-at Tamale, as well as one University College of Education at Winneba. In addition, there are numerous specialized tertiary institutions in the country. A functional literacy programme has recently been initiated in Ghana, targeting illiterate adults
Health
Ghana has a reasonably good health service. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals and clinics, and two teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases. Additionally, a number of religious organizations and private medical practitioners operate hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practiced, and there is a special government Herbal Medicine Hospital and Research Centre at Akwapim-Mampong.
Religion
The population of Ghana comprises Christians (43%), animists (38%) and Muslims (12%). There is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.