home > locations > ghana
Ghana
 |
 |
 |
Ghana, Africa's first independent former colony, is today a democracy that enjoys political stability and is known for being a safe, hassle-free, friendly destination for visitors. This small, tropical country on the west coast of Africa is home to 23 million people who come from diverse ethnic groups and speak over 40 different African languages (alongside English, the official language). Ghana provides visitors the opportunity to explore historic slave forts, shop in bustling colorful markets, wander through rainforests, view wildlife, and laze on palm lined beaches, all while enjoying the rich culture and welcoming hospitality of Ghana's people.
Social and Development Issues
While the number of people living in poverty in Ghana has declined in recent years and the 80s and 90s saw vast industrialization and economic growth, inequality between the rich and poor, and urban and rural areas has increased. Food crop farmers and small business owners in the informal sector remain the largest groups in poverty. Women are often the hardest hit as they shoulder the bulk of the responsibility for raising children, and as a result of poor educational opportunities are often forced into taking low paying jobs to help support their families.
Access to basic education, particularly for girls, has increased in recent year. However, access to secondary education remains limited in many rural areas; schools remain vastly underfunded and the quality of education continues to suffer. 46% of Ghanaians are iliterate (HDI 2006), limiting their possibilities for well paid skilled employment.
Additional development challenges for Ghana include the need to create and implement strategies to protect its natural resources, which have largely suffered at the hands of economic growth. On-going health outreach efforts seek to educate communities and individuals and provide them with tools for accessing needed health care services and preventing illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast, set amongst beautiful beaches and home to Cape Coast Castle, previously one of the largest slave holding sites in the world, is a town steeped in history and contradictions. In the 17th century, Cape Coast grew from a small fishing village to an important trading port and the center of West Africa's slave trade, later becoming the first capital of Britain's Gold Coast colony. Today this vibrant town is capital of Ghana's Central Region and home to over 100,000 people and some of the country's leading academic institutions.
Weather
Ghana enjoys a tropical equatorial climate with highs most days throughout the year around 30 C (86 F). Humidity on the coast is usually about 80%. The coast has two rainy seasons, the first starting in March or April and lasting through June and the second in September and October. The Harmattan winds, which blow from the northeast during the dry season bring dust from the Sahara and reduce visibility. This phenomenon is more prominent in the North of the country.
Get the Newsletter
"My co-workers gave me so much responsibility - I got to lead consulting projects, write articles, and give a tourist's perspective on Peruvian crafts." - Madeleine
Quick Links
Copyright © 1998 – 2010