Ghana: Location, Geography & Key Facts
Ghana is a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, just a few degrees north of the Equator. It's often called the "Gateway to West Africa" for its political stability, English-speaking population, and strategic coastal position.
Geographic Location
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Region | West Africa |
| Coordinates | 4°–11°N, 3°W–1°E |
| Coastline | 539 km (335 mi) on Gulf of Guinea |
| Area | 238,533 km² (92,098 sq mi) — similar to Oregon or UK |
| Capital | Accra (5.6°N, 0.2°W) — coastal, southern Ghana |
Neighbors
- West: Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) — 720 km border
- North: Burkina Faso — 602 km border
- East: Togo — 1,098 km border
- South: Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean)
Climate & Ecology
| Zone | Characteristics |
|---|
| Coastal Savannah | Accra plains; dry, hot; two rainy seasons (Apr–Jul, Sep–Nov) |
| Forest Belt | Central/Western (Kumasi, Takoradi); tropical rainforest; cocoa, timber, gold |
| Northern Savannah | Single rainy season (May–Oct); agriculture (yam, maize, shea); drier, hotter |
Population & Demographics (2024 est.)
- Population: ~34 million
- Median age: 21.5 years (very young)
- Urbanization: ~58% (Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sekondi-Takoradi)
- Ethnic groups: Akan (~47%), Mole-Dagbon (~17%), Ewe (~14%), Ga-Dangme (~7%), others
- Official language: English
- Widely spoken: Twi (Akan), Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Hausa
Economy Highlights
- GDP: ~$75B (nominal, 2023); lower-middle income
- Key exports: Gold, cocoa (2nd world), oil, timber, manganese, bauxite
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- Major ports: Tema (largest), Takoradi
Why Ghana Matters
- Democratic benchmark: Peaceful transfers of power since 1992 (4th Republic).
- Historical significance: First sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence (1957, Kwame Nkrumah).
- Pan-African hub: W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Nkrumah Mausoleum, Year of Return (2019) diaspora engagement.
- Regional anchor: ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, but Ghana hosts key institutions; major peacekeeping contributor.
Travel Basics
- Visa: Most nationals need visa (e-visa available: ghanaimmigration.gov.gh).
- Airport: Kotoka International (ACC), Accra — major West African hub.
- Health: Yellow fever cert required; malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Best time: Nov–Mar (dry season, Harmattan winds Dec–Feb).
From the slave forts of Cape Coast and Elmina to the vibrant markets of Kumasi and the mole-dotted savannahs of Mole National Park, Ghana packs immense history, culture, and natural diversity into a compact, welcoming West African package.
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