Ghana
Ghana, is a west African country, bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the east by Togo, on
the south by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
Formerly a British colony known as the Gold Coast, was led to independence by Dr Kwame
Nkrumah on the 6th of March, 1957. Ghana became the first black nation in sub-Saharan Africa
to achieve independence from colonial rule.
The country is named after the ancient empire of Ghana, from which the ancestors of the
inhabitants of the present country are thought to have migrated.
Climate- tropical; warm,
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Hot and humid in the Southwest and hot and dry in the North
Population
The population of Ghana is divided into some 75 ethnic groups.
The estimated population of Ghana in 2012 was 24,652,402 (females-51%, males 49), giving the
country an overall population density of 78 persons per sq km (201 per sq mi). The most densely
populated parts of the country are the coastal areas, the Ashanti region, and the two principal
cities, Accra and Kumasi.
About 70 percent of the total population lives in the southern half of the country. The most
numerous peoples are the coastal Fanti, and the Ashanti, who live in central Ghana, both of
whom belong to the Akan family. The Accra plains are inhabited by the Ga-Adangbe. Most of the
inhabitants in the northern region belong to the Moshi-Dagomba or to the Gonja group.
Regional Divisions
Ghana is divided into ten administrative regions:
Region
Northern
Eastern
Western
Central
Upper East
Upper West
Volta
Ashanti
Brong-Ahafo
Greater Accra.
Regional Capital
Tamale
Koforidua
Takoradi
Cape Coast
Bolgatanga
Wa
Ho
Kumasi
Sunyani
Accra (capital of Ghana)
Major Cities
Accra, the capital, has a population of 10% out of the total population. Kumasi is the capital of
the Ashanti region. Sekondi has an artificial harbor and was the first modern port built in
Ghana. Other major cities include Tema, Tamale, and Cape Coast. People living in urban areas
account for 37 percent of the population.
The Capital
Accra, capital and largest city of Ghana, southeastern Ghana, on the Gulf of Guinea. Accra is an
important commercial, manufacturing, and communications center. It is the site of an
international airport and a
focus of the country's railroad system, including a link to nearby Tema, which since 1962 has
served as the city's deepwater port. Industries include vehicle and appliance assembly,
petroleum refining, and the manufacture of foodstuffs, textiles, metal and wood products,
plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Language and Religion
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Language
English is the official language of Ghana and is universally used in schools in addition to
nine other local languages.The most widely spoken local languages are, Ga, Dagomba,
Akan and Ewe.
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Religion
Traditional religions accounts for two-fifths of the population. The Christian population
also accounts for two-fifths of the total population and includes Roman Catholics,
Baptist, Protestants, etc. The Muslim population (12 percent of the total) is located
chiefly in the northern part of the country.
Visa Application
Entry Requirements for Ghana
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All visitors to Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or legal travel documents.
All visitors entering Ghana must have valid entry visas or, in the case of Commonwealth
nationals, entry permits, issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission or consulate abroad or any
other visa issuing authority mandated by the Ghana Government to act on its behalf .
(ECOWAS nationals and those of other countries with which the Government of Ghana
has specific bilateral agreements, are exempted).
All travellers above nine(9) months coming into or transiting through Ghana are required
to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least Ten(10) days from the proposed
date of travel and where already vaccinated, provide evidence(certificate) indicating the
duration of a vaccination status of not more than Ten(10) years before entering Ghana.
Conditions for the Issue of Visa
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Visas may be granted to personnel of international organisations and visitors to Ghana
for tourism, study, business or transit.
The visa may be granted for single or multiple entry.
Visas are valid for a period of three months and must be utilised within three months of
the date of issue. Visas valid for up to one year may be granted for specific purposes.
Visitors travelling on Business are required to furnish evidence of the fact, such as a
letter from their firm, while those travelling at the invitation of Ghanaian nationals or
residence or Ghanaian institutions should furnish a letter of invitation from their hosts.
Visitors may be required to provide a return or a through ticket to a country which they
have the right of admission or may be required to show evidence of sufficient funds for
the duration of their stay in the country. Prospective employees may undertake
employment within the authorised immigrant quota. Emergency visas may be issued at
entry points to travelers who arrive from a country where there is no Ghanaian
diplomatic or consular representation, but such applications must be authorised by the
Director of the Immigration Service through their sponsors before they arrive in
Ghana.
Applications for further extension extensions to visitors' permit must be made to the
Director of the Ghana Immigration Service for consideration. Tourists may be allowed a
period of stay of three months if the Ghana Immigration Service is satisfied that such
tourists have sufficient means of financial support.
Persons who enter the country as visitors are not permitted to take up employment even
if there happens to be a vacancy on the Immigrant Quota of a prospective employer.
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Professionals (doctors, lawyers, nurses, etc), are required to provide particulars of their
qualifications in order that the eligibility of their registration may be determined.
Applicants on a VISIT to Ghana must provide a letter of invitation from their host in
Ghana.
Travellers are strongly advised to ensure that they have all the necessary
documents before arriving in Ghana
Tourist Attractions
1. Cape Coast Castle
Ghana's Atlantic Coast is lined with old forts (castles) built by various European powers during
the 17th Century. The Cape Coast Castle was built for the slave-trade and is one of the most
impressive of Ghana's old forts. It was originally built by the Dutch in 1637, later expanded by
the Swedes, finally the British took control of it in 1664 and turned it into their colonial
headquarters. It stayed that way for the next 200 years until they moved the capital to Accra
in 1877.
The Cape Coast Castle is now an excellent museum with information about the history of Ghana,
the slave-trade and local culture. Tours are a "must" and will take you through the dungeons and
the "door of no return".
2. Elmina and St George's Castle
Elmina is a picturesque fishing town along Ghana's coast, not far from Cape Coast. It is home to
one of Ghana's biggest attractions, St George's Castle. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it was
captured by the Dutch 150 years later and became the headquarters of their West Indies
Company for the following 250 years. Gold exports were soon replaced by slaves and the tours
through the dungeons will give you a good idea of how gruesome a trade it was. The Castle
houses a small museum and guided tours are available. The stark beauty of the white-washed
Castle walls contrast deeply with the dark history of this place.
Fort St Jago lies across the lagoon from the castle, and is worth visiting for the views it offers
of the town and Castle
3. Accra, Ghana's Capital
Accra is a sprawling city with about 2 million residents and one of Africa's safer capitals. Accra
has a mixture of modern buildings, shanty towns, occasional castle and lively markets. The
central hub is around the Makola Market, just south of the market is the Atlantic ocean.
4. Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is a dense tropical rain forest in southern Ghana. The forest is home to
over 40 species of larger mammals including forest elephants, forest buffalo, Mona-meerkats
and civets. The bird life is fantastic as well with over 250 species living in the forest. The
highlight of any visit to Kakum, is a stroll on the Canopy Walkway that is built 30 meters above
ground, crosses several bridges and is over 1000 feet (350 m) in length. The canopy walkway
offers a unique viewing perspective of the wildlife and unique plants of the forest. Trained
guides are on hand to take you on a tour and provide detailed insight into the medicinal uses of
the forest plants. There's a basic campsite for those who want to overnight.
5. Mole National Park
Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife park and is located in north western Ghana. In
Mole you can expect to see buffalo, roam antelope, elephants, warthogs, hyenas and if you're
very lucky, leopard. Lions have recently been re-introduced to the park as well. There are also
more than 250 species of birds to enjoy. You can opt for a walking safari or a traditional game
drive accompanied by an armed guard. There's a motel just near the park headquarters. The
best time to spot wildlife is during the dry season from January to March as animals congregate
around the water sources. Mole can be reached by public transport, note the roads are not in
great condition. Do visit the Larabanga Mosque near the park, the oldest mosque in Ghana.