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OVERVIEW | FACTS | LEADERS | MEDIA
<STRONG>Ghana</STRONG> was the first place in sub-Saharan Africa where Europeans arrived to trade - first in gold, later in slaves. It was also the first black African nation to become independent. <STRONG>Ghana</STRONG> enjoys double the per capita output of poorer countries in the region, but the income of its citizens is among the lowest in the world.
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Geographical Location
Like its neighbours, Ghana's post-independence history has been one of political and economic decline. Despite being rich in mineral resources, and endowed with a good education system and efficient civil service, Ghana fell victim to corruption and mismanagement soon after independence in 1957.
In 1966, its first president and pan-African hero, Kwame Nkrumah, was deposed in a coup. In 1981, Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings staged his second coup. The country began to move towards economic stability and democracy. |
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In April 1992 a constitution allowing for a multiparty system was approved in a referendum, ushering in a period of democracy.
Although Ghana has largely escaped the civil strife that has plagued other West African countries, in 1994-95 land disputes in the north erupted into ethnic violence.
This resulted in the deaths of 1,000 people and the displacement of a further 150,000.
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Ghana FACTS
Population: 19.5 million
Capital: Accra
Major languages: English, indigenous African languages
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Life expectancy: 56 years (men), 59 years (women)
Monetary unit: 1 Cedi = 100 pesewas
Main exports: Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminium, manganese ore, diamonds
Internet domain: .gh
International dialling code: +233
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Leader and President
John Agyekum Kufuor
President Kufuor: known as the "Gentle Giant"
John Kufuor's victory in the presidential ballot in December 2000 marked the first real transfer of power through elections in Ghana.
Born in 1938, Kufuor is a devout Roman Catholic. A lawyer who studied at Oxford, he held positions as deputy foreign minister and as secretary for local government where he initiated the policy which formed the basis of the country's present decentralised district assemblies.
Known as the "Gentle Giant", Kufuor, however, is said to lack the common touch of his predecessor, Jerry Rawlings.
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Media
The government allows little expression of opposition views over the national radio and television networks or the two daily newspapers it controls. However, since the New Patriotic Party-led government took office following the December 2000 elections, there has reportedly been a more pluralistic approach to the media.
Ghanaian courts have acted with increased autonomy under the 1992 constitution, but are still subject to governmental influence, especially in media-related cases. The main national broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), is an autonomous statutory body.
TELEVISION
Ghana TV (GTV) - state-owned national TV operated by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
REGGIE OSSEI[ROCKSTONE]
The pioneer of rap music in local dialect in Ghana. His specialty is Asante Twi. He is well-versed in English. He has international acclaim and has performed in many places such as West Africa, UK, France, USA & Switzerland. His videos are aired as far as South Africa on M-Net's 24 hr music television station, Channel 'O' which has an audience of millions across a large part of Africa (44 countries!). He has his own extensive website with Realaudio and MP3 files which includes a guestbook with hits from all over the world. His new album was released in July 2000. It is called "ME KA (I will Say!). This is a 7 song EP, with a second part due at the end of January 2001.
December 12, 2002, courtesy of allafrica.com
Mr. Charles Kwadwo Fosu a.k.a Daddy Lumba on 27th of December 2002, held a musical concert at the Accra International Conference Centre in aid of the Korle Bu Hospital in Accra.
The concert titled, "Daddy Lumba through the years", would be based on Lumba's songs from his 17 albums in 18 years in the music industry. It also featured some of Ghana's top artists including, Daasebre Gyamena, Ofori Amponsah, Adane Best, Slim Buster, Kofi B and Jewel Ackah.
"I am appreciative of the fact that society has given me so much over the years and one of the objectives of the concert was to say thank you to my admirers and critics whose direct and indirect contributions has put me on a high pedestal locally and internationally. The show was also to raise funds for the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital," Lumba said.
RADIO
There are some private radio stations and a network of regional and community radio stations, mostly part of the GBC.
The BBC and Radio France Internationale are both available on FM in Accra.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation - Radio 1, national broadcaster, broadcasting in English and Ghanaian vernaculars (Akan, Dagbani, Ewe, Ga, Hausa and Nzema)
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation - Radio 2, commercial service of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, broadcasting in English
Radio GAR, station for Accra area owned by Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
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Ex-President Rawlings
An elder African statesman receiving a royal visit.
The colourful and sometimes turbulent political career of Jerry John Rawlings [1979 - 2000]
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TOURISM: BEACHES & PARKS
Accra
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
This is situated opposite the old Parliament House. It is the last resting place of the first President of Ghana, a famous Pan-Africanist.
The Du-Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African culture
This centre, formally the residence of Dr Du-Bois now houses a research library and gallery of manuscripts as well as his grave.
The National Museum
Located on Barnes Road, this fine museum houses a fascinating collection of Ghana's historical treasures.
Osu Castle
Formally known as Christianburg castle, it has been the seat of government since the early 20's. It is the official residence of the President of Ghana, and not open to the public although it can be seen from a distance from the Independence Square.
Accra Beach
Along the beaches of Accra are a succession of busy fishing towns. Dug-out canoes are still being used for fishing. Fishing is carried on throughout the week except on Tuesdays. This is due to the traditional belief, passed down over the years, that bad luck will befall anyone who does so.
Jamestown
This is an old colonial town which settles one of the Ga clans and is bestowed with colonial architecture. Located along the shore in the capital city, Accra, it served as a trading point during the colonial days. The Usher Fort and James Fort, which now serve as prisons, can be found here.
Centre for National Culture
This is Ghana's largest arts, crafts and traditional textile market. It is the best place in Accra to find traditional handicrafts from all over Ghana. You may find some craft from neighbouring countries as well here. The different vendors arrive at different times, but the centre is generally open daily.
Others
Aburi Botanical Gardens
The century-old botanical gardens, situated on the Aburi mountains, about an hours drive from Accra offers a rich collection of tropical flora and fauna which attracts a collection of birds and butterflies not found in the rest of the country.
The Castles of Ghana
The castles along the coast of the Central Region are among the best preserved in Ghana. Not to miss are the Cape Coast castle, Elmina castle and Fort St Jago which were used as holding places for slaves during the Slave Trade era.
The Paga Crocodile Pond
Located at the north-east border is the Paga Crocodile Pond which is a sacred sanctuary for crocodiles. The reptiles are enticed from the water by the custodians using live chicken. These scenarios make a lovely set of pictures to have and to own.
Boti Falls
In the Yilo Krobo district of the Eastern region, about 20km from Koforidua, the falls are very popular. Visiting the falls at the right time is essential since its source tends to dry up between November and April. Most organisations and clubs take excursions to the falls, attracted by the sheer size of the falls and the wild natural environment. There are however no catering facilities and visitors should pack some food for the trip.
Wli Waterfall
A half hour walk through forest land and farms brings you to this fall located in the Volta region. A guide is provided for visitors.
PARKS
Kakum National Park
This is the newest addition to national parks in Ghana. It is located in the Central Region of Ghana and is a 35-minute drive from Cape Coast. This is recommended not only for its unique flora, because of its proximity to the coast, but also for the possibility of sighting certain rare jungle animals. Kakum is rapidly becoming very popular because it has the first forest canopy walkway in Africa and one of the only four in the entire world. The canopy walkway gives visitors the chance to experience the jungle at treetop levels. For those who walking 40 meters above the ground is not a welcoming experience, excellent walking tours through the forest provides the opportunity to see much indigenous plant life, rare butterflies, birds and sometimes game. For more information telephone the senior wildlife officer.
Mole National Park
This is Ghana's largest park. It is situated on undulating terrain in the northern part of the country. The vegetation is pristine savannah with gallery forest along the river streams.
Bui National Park
The Brong Ahafo region is the home of this national park with the largest population of hippos in Ghana. The park has buffalo, elephants, leopards and many types of monkey. Bui is a village not as developed a location as Mole or Kakum. Access roads are not very good and visitors who do not have their own transport and provisions are advised not travel without proper planning and guidance.
Bia-Tawaya National Park
This is a smaller park found in the Western region of Ghana. It has beautiful untouched primary rain forest which has large populations of monkeys, bushbucks and elephants. Though these are often difficult to see in the dense foliage, the variety of flora is good enough compensation for visitors who do not see any wildlife. Like Bui, this location is not very well developed and help from the Wildlife authorities in Kumasi is indispensable.
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