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Whatever your initial reason may be for traveling to Ghana, you will quickly find yourself enthusiastic about the charms of its people. The friendliness and cheerfulness of the Ghanaians make a lasting impression on all who visit.
You also will become intrigued. The varied Ghanaian cultures are each so different from those in the west that you cannot help but ask questions of both yourself and the locals. Rest assured, the Ghanaians will welcome both you and your questions!
A trip to Ghana can also hold special meaning for the descendants of slaves. The former coastal slave forts are now impressive museums, ensuring that the atrocities of the slave trade, and the lessons learned therefrom, are never forgotten.
If you regularly watch the news from Africa you might easily get discouraged. However, a visit to Ghana can inspire you. You will see that Africa is more than a synonym for hopelessness. You will meet people who work enthusiastically towards a better future. You also meet people who see life differently than you do and who will tempt you towards reflection and discussion.
The Ghanaian population is very diverse and consists of approximately 100 different ethnic groups that speak more than 60 languages. One of the northern tribes, the Dagbamba, is famous for its refined oral traditions that are supported with drums and other musical instruments. English is the national language and one in which you will easily be able to communicate -- the Ghanaians love talking and will quickly put you at ease.
The borders of modern Ghana are mainly a result of 19th century European politics. With 21 million people, the country is relatively thinly populated. Like everywhere in the world, cities have a great power of attraction to poor farmers, especially Kumasi. This second city of Ghana can be overwhelming for its endless market and liveliness.
There is also diversity with regard to religion. Southern and central Ghana is mainly Christian, with the members
of the many different churches all expressing their beliefs exuberantly. Among the first things you
will notice after your arrival are the names of places like drinking spots and hairdressers: Jesus Saves or
Ask God are some of the many variations.
Northern Ghana is mostly Muslim and, during your trip, you will visit a very old and beautiful mosque and its traditional believers.
Freedom of religion is not only a civil right -- in daily life you will see real tolerance.
In politics a stable, more party-oriented democracy exists side by side with a traditional system of influential local leaders. Freedom of the press is clearly evident in the many newspapers, which can give you an impression of current affairs in Ghana.
The country can roughly be subdivided into savanna in northern and central Ghana, and tropical in the south. Along both the eastern and western borders are hills with waterfalls.
Because of large scale timber trade, real rainforests are a thing of the past. Still, southern Ghana is very green and in the Kakum National Park you can see the beauty of rainforest life. In Mole National Park in the northern savanna there are a great variety of birds and mammals -- including elephants.
The political, social and economic situation of Ghana contrasts favorably with surrounding West African countries. One of the most recent positive developments in Ghana lies in the fight against malaria. In January 2007 the chairwoman of the national malaria program concluded that the number of children that died from this devastating disease had declined by 50% between 2003 and the end of 2006.
One negative development that is difficult to stop is the so-called "brain drain". Young people with a good education frequently leave Ghana to find a more certain life in Europe or America.
The majority of the Ghanaians earns an income in agriculture and fishery. The present economy also relies heavily on the production and exportation of cocoa. Visiting cocoa farmers will give you a good impression of their working and living conditions. Besides the cocoa trade, the exploitation of gold and other minerals is also important for the Ghanaian economy.
A new source of income is tourism. The foreign currency that has been brought in through tourism has greatly improved Ghana's infrastructure.
Some facts:
For more information about the details of traveling to Ghana, see Practical Information.