20 interesting facts about Ghana
- Ghana is located in West Africa and is bordered by the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea.
- The official language is English, but many other languages are also spoken, including Twi, Fante, Ewe, and Hausa.
- Ghana was the first African colony to gain independence from the British Empire in 1957.
- The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Homowo and the Adae Kese.
- Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate.
- The Ashanti Kingdom was one of the most powerful empires in West Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, and still holds significant cultural and political influence in modern Ghana.
- The capital city of Ghana is Accra, known for its bustling markets, delicious street food, and lively nightlife.
- The national symbol of Ghana is the Golden Stool, which represents the spiritual and political power of the Ashanti people.
- The currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi, which has undergone several revaluations since independence.
- Ghana has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, as well as a growing services sector.
- The country has a relatively high standard of living compared to many other African nations, with a well-developed infrastructure and a relatively stable political climate.
- Ghana is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, chimpanzees, and many different species of birds.
- The country has a vibrant contemporary art scene, featuring artists from across the continent and around the world.
- The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre is located in Ghana, providing training for peacekeepers from around the world.
- The University of Ghana is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of higher education in West Africa, founded in 1948.
- The country is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as jollof rice, fufu, and kenkey.
- The Volta River, which runs through southern Ghana, is one of the largest hydroelectric power sources in Africa.
- The Akosombo Dam, which was built in the 1960s, provides electricity for much of Ghana and neighboring countries.
- Ghana has a rich history of traditional music and dance, including styles such as highlife, gospel, and hiplife.
- The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra is dedicated to the first president of Ghana, who played a key role in leading the country to independence.