Ghana

Volunteering in Ghana

Ghana is known for its bustling African markets, rich heritage, golden sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, and most importantly the Ghanaians, who are one of the friendliest people on the planet.

Background


Before March 1957 Ghana was called the Gold Coast. The Portuguese who came to Ghana in the 15th Century found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the place Mina - meaning Mine. Similarily, the French, equally impressed by the trinkets worn by the coastal people, named The Ivory Coast, Cote d'Ivoire.Because of this, European traders monopolised the economy around the mid 17th century. However, by the latter part of 19th century the Dutch and the British were the only traders left and when the Dutch withdrew in 1874, Britain made the Gold Coast a crown colony. The Move toward regional de-colonialization began in 1946, and the area's first constitution was promulgated in 1951. Then Ghana became the first democratic sub-Sahara country in colonial Africa to gain its independence in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah, founder and first president of the modern Ghanaian state, was not only an African anti-colonial leader but also one with a dream of a united Africa which would not drift into neo-colonialism. A series of subsequent coups and changes resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and the banning of political parties. Ghana is now a republic and member of the Commonwealth of Nations.


Ghana is a republic and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Its head of state is President John Agyekum Kufuor, the ninth leader of the country since independence. The government sits at Osu Castle. The Parliament of Ghana is unicameral and dominated by two main parties, the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress. Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is from Ghana


The climate in Ghana is tropical. Although there are two rainy seasons which occur, from April to July and from September to November. The hottest month tends to occur in March and the lowest in August.


Ghana natural resources: extensive fishing, arable land, forests, sizeable mineral deposits as well as crude oil reserves and natural gas.


Ghana is know for celebrating any occasion with music and traditional dances. At such occasions, the beating of drums can be heard, as the tribal leaders and Queen Mothers parade the town decorated extravagantly in heavy jewellery expensive cloths. Kente cloth is also traditionally worn which is sold widely in the markets. The Ashanti people are also known for their detailed woodcarving and ceramics.

Facts

Capital :
The capital, Accra, has a population of about 5 million.

Languages :
English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, Nzema, Dagaare, Gonja, Frafra, Hausa,Dangme and Ga)

Currency :
Ghanaian cedi

Calling code :
233

Ethnic groups :
Akan, Ewe, Ga, Moshi-Dagomba

Religions :
Christian 69%, Muslim 15.6%, traditional and indigenous beliefs 8.5%.

Transportation

Ships For those of you who can stomach a rocking ship, ports connnect Tema with Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon and South Africa.

Bus If you wish to be more comfortable Taxis and of course coaches are more suitable for longer jouneys

Van / Mini Bus The most popular form of transport in Ghana are tro-tros (minibuses). An average cost of a tro-tro ride would be 50 pence.

Airports Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is the main airport in Ghana. From here you can take internal flights to Kumasi and Tamale via Antrak Air.

Programmes in Ghana

Towns in Ghana


Exploring Ghana