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Ghana

✨ The star of West Africa

Ghana is a country in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east, while its southern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. Accra, located on the coast, is the capital and largest city. Ghana covers about 239,000 square kilometres and has varied landscapes, including coastal plains, forests, grasslands and savannas. Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes by surface area, extends across a large part of central and eastern Ghana.

It was formed in the 1960s following the construction of the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River. Mount Afadjato is the country’s highest point, reaching about 885 metres. Ghana has a tropical climate, but rainfall varies between the wetter south and the drier north. Coastal areas are generally warm and relatively humid, while northern regions have a longer dry season. Ghana’s natural environments support a wide variety of plants and animals.

The south contains tropical forests where some tree species are harvested, while extensive areas of the north are covered by savanna. Rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems also provide important habitats for many species. Agriculture is central to the country’s economy, with major crops including cocoa, maize, cassava and plantains. Ghana is one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, and cocoa has long been an important source of income.

Gold is another major natural resource, and Ghana also produces petroleum. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and became a republic in 1960. English is the official language, alongside many Ghanaian languages, including Akan, Ewe and Dagbani. The Ghanaian cedi is the national currency. Its position on the Gulf of Guinea, varied landscapes and natural resources give Ghana an important place in West Africa.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that Ghana is one of the largest chocolate gardens in the world? The cocoa beans used to make your favorite bars very often come from small trees that grow here. Ghanaian children are familiar with the cocoa pod, that large fruit containing the magic seeds that, once processed, become delicious chocolate.

In Ghana, people make 'Kente,' a fabric with vibrant colors that looks like a giant rainbow. It was once the fabric of kings! Every pattern and color has a secret meaning: yellow represents wealth, green the forest, and red the country's history. Today, it is used to make magnificent clothes worn during major festivals.

Ghana is famous for its 'fantasy coffins.' Some artists make burial boxes shaped like a plane, a car, a giant fish, or even a shoe! It's an original way to honor the person by choosing an object that represented their trade or passion in life. It's a unique art world found only in this country.