Know Ghana, Visit Ghana And Buy Ghana : a feature by Adu Gyamfi Odopa

Sep 22, 2024 - 17:46
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Know Ghana, Visit Ghana And Buy Ghana : a feature by Adu Gyamfi Odopa

Ghana is located in West Africa, and it can be said to be the center of the world since the Greenwich Meridian, longitude 0 degree passes through Tema, a city 30.2 kilometers to the east of the capital, Accra and is also the closest landmark to the Equator longitude 0 degree.

It is six hours by air from the United Kingdom (UK) and most European cities, and eleven hours by direct flight from New York (NY) and Washington in the USA. The Middle East and Southern Africa are within easy reach being seven and half hours and six hours respectively away by air.

Over 30 International airlines fly into the country through the main international gate way. Kotoka International Airport, Cruise Ships which periodically call at the Takoradi and Tema ports also bring thousands of visitors to Ghana. Other visitors come through our land borders with neighboring countries including Togo, Burkina Faso and Cote D'ivoire.

Ghana is the first country in Sub - Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. It is one of the continent's fastest growing economies and has made major progress in the attainment and consolidation of growth.

 Geography

Located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, in the sub - region of West Africa a d spanning a land mass of 238, 535Km2 (92,099sq.Mi), Ghana is bordered by the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east and Atlantic Ocean in the south.

 Cape Three Points, the most southerly peninsula in Ghana is also the closest land fall to the oceanic intersection of the Prime Meridian and the Equator. Most part of the is relatively flat.

 A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from this, widening in the east, while south and west are covered by dense rainforest.To the north are forested hills, the dry Savannah and open woodland.

 Demographics and Language

Ghana is a multilingual country in which about 80 languages are spoken. Among these, English, is the official language and lingual franca. It has more than 70 ethnic groups, each with its own unique language.

 Languages that belong to the same ethic group are usually mutually intelligible. More than two thirds of the population are Christians, others practice Islamic religion and a smaller section, traditional African beliefs or are atheists.

 Economy and Development

The country's economy is the second biggest in West Africa and it is booming, helped by strong exports of cocoa, gold and oil. In 2019, real Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growth was estimated at 7.1 per cent. Its Human Development Index (HDI) has risen by 31 per cent over the last three decades.

 Cultural Heritage

Ghana is endowed with a wide range of natural, historical and cultural attractions, all of which provide the basis for conservation and preservation, allowing the country to promote a range of diverse tourism products.

It has a unique cultural heritage, featuring a calendar of regular festivals, ancient traditions, artisans, excellent goldsmiths, wonderful woodcarvings and herbal medicine.

Historical Monuments

The coast of Ghana is dotted with historical forts and castles built during the 14th to 18th centuries by eight different European empires. Visitors can see the dungeons that were used to accommodate millions of Africans for the famous transatlantic slave trade.

 They are still standing today, preserved as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These heritage sites and monuments are key to Ghana's tourism, attracting many study of history and culture as well as other visitors.

 Ecotourism

 For nature lovers, there is the marvelous array of Ghanaian wildlife - everything from elephants to butterflies; where scenery is breathtaking in its variety, from tropical forests to majestic waterfalls to perfect beaches.

 Ghana offers a rich and satisfying experience. This is a land where the past is linked to the present in all kinds of fascinating ways: by the institution of chieftaincy with its rich regalia, by the colourful pageantry of its many festivals, splendid variety of its handicrafts, its legendary hospitality.

Natural Resources

 The country is rich in gold and other natural resources namely manganese, bauxite, oil, diamonds, iron ore, lithium, various clay and salt deposits, extensive rich forests with wide range of tropical hardwoods.

A wide variety of agricultural products including cocoa and fishing resources, unique tourist attractions such as beautiful landscapes, inviting sunshine, golden beaches, wildlife parks, countryside with rich cultural heritage.

Akwaaba

Akwaaba is an expression one will hear several times daily as you travel around Ghana, ringing in your ears at night, bringing a smile in your face for weeks after you leave. Welcome to a haven that combines the charms of a tropical beach idyll with fascinating wildlife in the national parks.

 Climate

Ghana has a tropical climate, characterized most of the year by moderate temperatures (21-30•C or 70-90F), 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 October to March. Annual rainfall in the south averages 2,030mm but varies greatly throughout the country, with the heaviest rainfall in the Western region and the lowest in the north.

Schools

Ghana has numerous grammar, secondary, basic, commercial, technical and vocational institutions, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), plus numerous Tertiary level schools including universities.

Security

The country is described as the most peaceful and secured nation in Africa. It has a very formidable security services with well trained professionals of international repute who are always on top of their job.

 Health Services

 Ghana has reasonably good health service. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals and clinics, and five teaching hospitals in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale, and Ho 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 Akuapim - Mampong.

 The Writer, Adu Gyamfi Odopa, is a seasoned multiple award winning Journalist and Blogger in Ghana.

 +233(0)202373920

Odopa2@gmail.com

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