Situated in the heart of West Africa, five
degrees north of the equator, Ghana is a warm, tropical country with 540km of scenic
palm-fringed beaches and the friendliest people in all Africa. Ghana enjoys lush forests
and jungles in the south and vast savannahs in the north. Scenic highland ranges ensure
abundant precipitation and the greenest vegetation in the region.
The Republic of Ghana achieved independence from British rule on the 6th
March 1957 and the first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah became the head of state
of the first independent Black nationin Africa. The official language is English and
the legal system is based on English Common and Customary Law.
The capital, Accra, is situated on the coast and is a bustling African city housing the
seat of government, the parliament and most national institutions. Kotoka
International Airport is five kilometres from the centre of Accra. The second largest city,
Kumasi, is the historic capital of the Ashanti civilisation and home to the King and
palaces of the Ashantis. Although Ghana is a Republic its Kings and Queens have played a
major role in the governance of the country for over 450 years.
The Portuguese built Elmina Castle in 1482, their first defence against other Europeans
attempting to establish trading businesses on the Gold Coast (Ghana's former name). Cape Coast Castle,
Elmina Castle and Elmina Castle and Fort St Jago have been designated World Heritage
Monuments by UNESCO. These impressive monuments are the oldest European buildings outside Europe.There is a shrine to the memory of all who were forced into slavery at Cape Coast Castle.
Ghana is blessed with the most accessible rainforestsin the world. At Kakum National
Park there is a canopy walkway that takes visitors 30-meters high above the rainforest.
Mole National Park is ideal for safaris and wildlife and there is a motel and viewing
platform with panoramic views.
Throughout Ghana there are many crocodile ponds and monkey sanctuaries for close-up
photos. The numerous lagoons and swamplands are natural nesting grounds for
local and migratory birds. There are many spectacular waterfalls within walking distance from the roads.
Ghana is a land of festivals and visitors are always welcome and encouraged to join in
the fun. One of the amazing celebrations is the royal durbar that attracts world leaders
and vast audiences. The King of the Ashanti in golden splendour meets his people in
Kumasi, an occasion where Ghana's world famous kente fabrics explode in a profusion
of styles and colours.
There are lots of activities: safaris, trekking, photography, fishing, canoeing, sailing,
watersports, golf, climbing, horse racing and for the daring a trip on a fishing boat on the surf.
For the more leisurely visitor there are arts and craft markets, trips down gold mines,
cruises on the vast Lake Volta, courses in music, drumming and dancing.
Ghana's warm climate nourishes a vast harvest of fruit and vegetables that are
complemented by an offshore and inland fishing industry that all combine to provide
exquisite Ghanaian dishes. There is a wide choice of excellent restaurants including
fast food, Indian, Chinese, Italian, English, French and Ghanaian and a host of
nightclubs to suit all tastes in music and entertainment.
Few countries in Africa have an appeal that can compare with the attractions of Ghana. Ghana dazzles you with its historic past and charms you with its natural beauty.
Join in our spectacular festivals, and discover the friendliness of our people. Revel in our
music and dance, and excite your taste buds with our delicious Ghanaian food. Discover
our beaches, our national parks, our bustling village markets, and our vibrant towns and cities.
Discover why it is great in Ghana. The people of Ghana are known as the people of smiles.
In our land of many people, with many different languages and ethnic groups, we
are all drawn together, proud to be modern Ghanaians. All our people, from whichever
ethnic group, honour their chiefs and royal families, and cherish their traditional rites
and celebrations. These make Ghana a special place in Africa.
0ur history stretches back almost 2000 years to the riches of the ancient Ghana Empire,
where trade in gold, ivory, salt and kola nuts created one of the most opulent nations in
Africa, and attracted kinsmen from all over the continent. Europeans, drawn by the
abundance of our land, came to trade, and left behind their legacy of 32 forts and
castles -more than any country in sub-Saharan Africa.
A darker era saw many of our people, and those of other African lands, leave our shores
for the plantations of America and the Caribbean, creating the biggest Diaspora the
world has ever seen. Today, citizens of many states around the world still acknowledge
and treasure their family links with Ghana, returning to explore those links and to
experience the soul of their motherland. Come home to Ghana, the gateway to that
African heritage.
Ghana has modern telecommunication facilities as well as first class seaports, a modern international airport in Accra, the capital.
Recent development of modern hotels, convention facilities and theaters have made Ghana Africa's newest conference and
tourist destination.
English is widely spoken throughout Ghana. English is the official language. Other languages spoken include Twi, Fanti,
Nzema, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani and Hausa.
The following airlines operate regular sheduled flights from several US cities to Accra, Ghana;
Ghana ia a tropical country. The south western part is located within the warm wet forest zone similar to the Amazon. Accra, the capital is located in the dry equatorial zone, and Kumasi in the wet savana. Northern Ghana has a rainy season from about April to October. The rest of the year is hot and dry, with temperatures up to about 38C. In southern Ghana the rains last from April to June and again from September to October. Generally temperatures are between 21C - 32C.
Since the climate is warm and tropical year round, be sure to pack light washable cotton clothing and casual wear. Do not forget your sunglasses, sun tan lotion, and comfortable walking shoes. There are no restrictions on what men and women may wear.
If you are bringing along electrical appliances, they should operate on or adaptable to 220 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept 3 and 2-pronged, British or continental European type plugs or converters.
The most widly accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners, and Visa. Cards may be used at airlines, leading hotels and major supermarkets.