Ghana

Introduction to Ghana

The Republic of Ghana is a nation in West Africa. It borders Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo to the east, with the Gulf of Guinea on its southern coastline. Formerly the Gold Coast, the name Ghana is derived from the Ghana Empire (although its territory never reached present-day Ghana).

Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has twice the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange.

Ghana is located on the Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the Equator. The coastline is mostly a low, sandy shore backed by plains and scrub and intersected by several rivers and streams. A tropical rain forest belt, broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers, extends northward from the shore. North of this belt, the land is covered by low bush, park-like savanna, and grassy plains.

The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry (see Dahomey Gap); the southwest corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. Lake Volta, the fourth largest man-made lake in the world, extends through large portions of eastern Ghana.

Cultural notes about Ghana

Perhaps the most visible (and most marketable) cultural contribution from modern Ghana is Kente cloth, which is widely recognized and valued for its colours and symbolism. Kente cloth is made by skilled Ghanaian weavers, and the major weaving centres in and around Kumasi (Bonwire is known as the home of Kente, though areas of Volta Region also lay claim to the title) are full of weavers throwing their shuttles back and forth as they make long strips of Kente. These strips can then be sewn together to form the larger wraps which are worn by some Ghanaians (chiefs especially) and are purchased by tourists in Accra and Kumasi. The colours and patterns of the Kente are carefully chosen by the weaver and the wearer. Each symbol woven into the cloth has a special meaning within Ghanaian culture.

Kente is one of the symbols of the Ghanaian chieftaincy, which remains strong throughout the country, particularly in the areas populated by members of the culturally- and politically-dominant Ashanti tribe. The Ashanti's chief, known as the Asantehene, is perhaps the most revered individual in the central part of the country. Like other Ghanaian chiefs, he wears bright Kente, gold bracelets, rings and amulets, and is always accompanied by numerous ornate umbrellas (which are also a symbol of the chieftaincy itself). The most sacred symbol of the Ashanti people is the Golden Stool, a small golden throne in which the spirit of the people is said to reside. It is kept in safekeeping in Kumasi, the cultural capital of the Ashanti people and the seat of the Asantehene's palace. Though the chieftaincy across Ghana has been weakened by allegations of corruption and cooperation with colonial oppression, it remains a very vital institution in Ghana.

After Independence, the Ghanaian music scene flourished, particularly the up-tempo, danceable style known as high life, which is still played consistently at the local clubs and bars, often called spots. Many Ghanaians are adept drummers, and it is not unusual to hear traditional drum ensembles play at social events or performances.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Ghana

Armed robberies have increased in and around Accra, Tema, and Kumasi but also occur elsewhere. Several foreigners have been victims of theft at gunpoint. Armed attacks have occurred along the Accra-Tema highway and near the Togolese border. You should exercise caution and remain alert to your surroundings. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are common in crowded markets, in parks, and at beaches and tourist attractions. Do not show signs of affluence. Pickpockets are active at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Luggage and travel documents are frequently stolen. There has been an increase in purse snatching in the Osu area. Bags and purses should not be exposed. These incidents usually occur on side streets in the evening. The thieves are usually on motorbikes or in cars. Avoid back streets and do not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards, particularly at night. Ensure your personal belongings and your travel documents are secure. Be wary of unsolicited assistance, particularly from uniformed porters or officials at the airport with identification cards that do not bear both a name and photograph, as well as in transit from the airport. You should exercise caution in Osu, Jamestown and Nima, particularly after dark.

The possibility of civil disturbances exists. Clashes between ethnic communities can occur. Curfews may be imposed as a result. Canadians should avoid political rallies and demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.