Ghana

Ghana

area:	238,540sq km (92,100sq mi)
population:	18,845,265
capital (population):	Accra (1,605,400)
government:	Republic
ethnic groups:	Akan 49%, Mole Dagbani 16.5%, Ewe 13%, Ga-Dangme 8%
languages:	English (official)
religions:	Christianity 62% (Protestant 28%, Roman Catholic 19%), traditional beliefs 21%, Islam 16%
currency:	Cedi = 100 pesewas

Republic in w Africa. The Republic of Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) faces the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Lagoons line the densely populated s coastal plains, which include the capital, Accra. On the sw plateau lies the Ashanti region and its capital Kumasi. Ghana's major river is the Volta. The Aksombo Dam (built 1964) created one of the world's largest artificial lakes, Lake Volta. The dam generates hydroelectricity.

Climate and Vegetation

Accra has a tropical climate, yet is cooler than many equatorial areas. Rain falls throughout the year, especially heavily in the sw. The n is warmer than the s. The winter months (November–March) have a low average rainfall. Tropical savanna dominates the coastal region and the far n. Rainforest covers most of the central region.

History and Politics

Various African kingdoms existed in the region before the arrival of Portuguese explorers in 1471, who named it the Gold Coast after its precious mineral resource. In 1642, the Dutch gained control, and the Gold Coast became a centre of the 17th-century slave trade. Following the abolition of slavery (1860s), the European powers withdrew with the advance of Ashanti. In 1874, Britain colonized the region excluding Ashanti, which fell in 1901. The British began to develop the cacao plantations.

After World War II, nationalist demands intensified and Kwame Nkrumah became prime minister in 1951 elections. In 1957, Ghana became the first African colony to gain full independence. British Togoland was incorporated into the new state. The country was renamed Ghana after a powerful, medieval West African kingdom.

In 1960, Ghana became a republic with Nkrumah as its president. In 1964, it became a one-party state. The economy slumped, burdened by debt, corruption, and the falling cacao price. In 1966, a military coup deposed Nkrumah. From 1969 to 1972, Ghana briefly returned to civilian rule under Kufi Busa.

In 1972 Colonel Ignatius Acheampong overthrew Busa and re-established military rule. In 1978 General Frederick Akuffo replaced Acheampong. In 1979, Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings overthrew the NRC, and executed Acheampong and Akuffo on charges of corruption. Hilla Limann formed a civilian administration, but weak government and economic recession led Rawlings to overthrow Limann in 1981. Rawlings privatized many state industries.

Rawlings became president in multiparty elections in 1992. In 1994, more than 1000 people died in ethnic clashes between the Konkomba and Nanumba in Ghana's Northern Region. Rawlings was re-elected in 1996, but defeated in 2000 elections by John Kufuor, leader of the New Patriotic Party.

Economy

Ghana is a low-income developing country (2000 GDP per capita, US$1900). Agriculture employs 59% of the workforce and accounts for more than 66% of exports. Ghana is the world's fifth-largest producer of cocoa beans. Other cash crops include coffee, coconuts, and palm kernels. Minerals are the second-largest export. Ghana is the world's tenth-largest producer of manganese. The Ashanti Goldfields Corporation is one of the world's largest producers. Timber is also an important export. Ghana's economy grew significantly at the end of the 20th century.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.ghana.gov.gh