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Nicknamed the "Gold Coast" of Africa, Ghana lies on the western shoreline of Africa. Once the seat of the great Ashanti Empire and an important centre for sourcing slaves, this country has undergone a turbulent history under British rule and in recent times has been the stage for many a coup. Today, Ghana seems to have come into its own. The country is stable and the indomitable spirit of the people uncrushed.

Come to tourist friendly Ghana and be charmed by some of the world’s most hospitable people. No matter where you go, you will be greeted with warmth. Music, drama and dance are expressions of the people’s emotional experience, and you will be included in all ceremonies, no matter where you come from! Add to these the birds, butterflies and beautiful beaches – you have the perfect tourist destination!

People of Ghana don’t like to waste any part of their food. Even when they have chicken it is made sure that everything is eaten and nothing is wasted. This includes the bones!

Historically Speaking

The earliest documented history of Ghana begins with the Sudanese Empire that flourished between 4 and 10 AD. Ghana was known as the "gold coast" until it became independent from British rule in 1957. In 1960, Ghana became a republic with Dr Nkrumah as its leader. Under his rule, Ghana made great strides in education and social service sectors, industrial and infrastructure development. The country played a major role in many international organisations such as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement.

The most important name in present day politics of Ghana is the flamboyant Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, who led coups against the government in 1979 and 1981. Rawlings was all for radical economic and social policies. This, however, did not help the national treasury that was almost empty in the 1980s. The Ghana government had to turn to the IMF for help.

A new constitution was drafted and Rawlings and his party submitted themselves to the verdict of the people in 1992, winning the presidency and a huge number of legislature seats. The IMF and World Bank offered substantial promises of aid in support of the new government.

In 1994, a state of emergency had to be declared when the bristling hostility between the Konkomba and Nanumba erupted in violent clashes. The ethnic clash was contained by August of the following year. 1996 saw Jerry Rawlings being re-elected and served till 2000. In the year 2001 John Agyekum Kufuor was elected as the President of Ghana. Inter-communal clashes still break out at times but Ghana is experiencing a long overdue period of political stability.

Habitat

Ghana, situated in West Africa, is a rectangular-shaped country with Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the East, the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Cote d‘Ivoire to the north. A grassy plain starting from the coast widens in the east. The west is covered by dense rainforest. The north has forested hills beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. In the far north is a plateau averaging 500m in height. The Black and White Volga Rivers enter Ghana from Burkina Faso. They have been dammed creating the largest man-made lake in the world. Ghana’s coastline is dotted with palm-fringed beaches.

Various birds and butterflies abound in the dense tropical forests of the west. Nature parks are being developed here, keeping in mind the eco-loving tourist. Worthy of mention is the new National Park at Kakum, and the Ankasa Forest in the south of the country. The Nature Sanctuary at Buabeng-Fiema village in Brong Afaho has a unique eco-system where monkeys cohabitate with the local human community. Crocodile farms are found all over the country. The Volta Estuary, Songor Lagoon and Panbros Beach near Accra are ideal for bird watching enthusiasts.

In the north, the landscape is dominated by the savannah and Ghana’s only developed national park. Mole National Park, for large animals, such as elephants and lions, is situated here. Ghana has 540km of pristine beaches that are being developed for tourists who like to stay away from crowds.