Ghana
One has all the different aspects of Africa in Ghana.
Ghana's history has been largely influenced by the powerful Ashanti kingdom, and also by the colonial British rule over the "Gold Coast". In 1957 Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African state to acquire independence. Short democratic periods and various military regimes shaped her public life, until Ghana became a parliamentary democracy (with strong presidential chairmanship) in 1992. The "chiefs" as traditional dignitaries are highly respected and still have some influence beyond party politics.
The physical environment of Ghana comprises of spacious palm beaches, rain forests, mountainous regions and savannahs. The population includes many different ethnic groups whose various ancient traditions are integrated into the life of a modern developing country.
Ghana lies near the equator, extending between latitudes 4,5° and 11° north and covers an area of almost 240.000 sq.km. Her capital Accra is situated on the Atlantic coast. Ghana's climate is tropical with a rainy season from end of April to end of June. In July/August the weather is comparatively "cool" (around 26 - 28° during the day) and not too sunny. Later in the year it gets warmer (around 30 - 33° during the day) and sunnier. In December/January it may at times be hazy or overcast, with pleasantly "cool" nights. The proximity of the equator is felt most during March/April. Throughout most of the year the atmospheric humidity is higher than Europeans are used to, however there is always a refreshing breeze from the sea in coastal areas.
Ghana has considerable mineral resources, but not much industrial production. The country mainly exports raw materials (gold, timber, cocoa, rubber) and agricultural products. 55% of the Ghanaians earn their living by farming or fishing. There is a strong migration tendency from rural areas to towns; meanwhile about 30% of the population are city-dwellers. More than 90% of the approx. 20 million Ghanaians are black Africans, belonging to about 50 tribes with more than 70 different languages. The main tribes are the Akan (44%), the Mole-Dagomba (16%), the Ewe (13%) and the Ga (11%). More than 70% speak an Akan dialect; the official language however, is English.
Ghana enjoys political stability, however - like most African countries - has to grapple with economic and social problems.
Ghana is trying to open tourism up as a new source of income. The development in this area however, is still at an early stage, and the foreigner is welcomed almost everywhere with open-minded curiosity and friendliness.
