Ghana, is a west African country, bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the east by Togo, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean,and on the west by Cote d'Ivoire.

Formerly a British colony known as the Gold Coast, was led to independence by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the 6th of March, 1957.

Ghana became the first black nation in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial rule.

The country is named after the ancient empire of Ghana, from which the ancestors of the inhabitants of the present country are thought to have migrated.

Ghana's Political History from 1957

Political Highlights

• 1957 - independence, Nkrumah of CPP is PM
• 1960 - declared republic, one party system, presidential system
• 1966 - military overthrow of 1st republic
• 1969 - 2nd republic, Busia of PP is PM
• 1972 - military overthrow of 2nd republic
• 1978 - palace coup to restructure military government
• 1979 - junior officer uprising and military housecleaning
• 1979 - ushered third republic, Limann of PNP is President
• 1981 - overthrow of the constitutional PNP gov't by the PNDC military junta
• 1983 - Attempted overthrow of the PNDC junta by other junior army men
• 1992 - Rawlings of NDC is Dem elected as President
• 1996 - Rawlings of NDC is re-elected
• 2001 - Kuffour (NPP) is President
• 2005 - Kufuor begins second-term in office
• 2009 - John Evans Atta Mills (NDC) is President
• 2012 - John Dramani Mahama (NDC) is sworn in as President following death of President Mills
• 2013 - John Dramani Mahama (NDC) is sworn in as President after winning the 2012 general elections
• 2017 - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo(NPP) is sworn in as President after winning the 2016 general elections

Ghana General Information

Area Size Of Ghana
238,537 sq km (92,100 sq miles)

Population (Provisional Results)
24,233,431 (2010)
Male: 11,801,661 (48.7%)
Female: 12,421,770 (51.3)

Average Population Density
55.5 per sq km

Capital
Accra (3,909,764 representing 16.1 percent of the population)

International Airport
KOTOKA International Airport

Time
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is used in Ghana - e.g. Tokyo +9 hours.

Language
The official language is English. Local Ghanaian languages are widely spoken, including Twi, Fante, Dagbani, Ga and Ewe.

Currency
Bank of Ghana

Religion
Ghana is a secular States. Freedom of religion is permitted enshrined in the Constitution of Ghana

Independence
March 6, 1957

Creation of Republic
July 1, 1960

Currency Exchange
The Ghanaian Cedi is pegged to the US Dollar. The exchange rate system has been liberalised and foreign currency is freely available through authorised dealers including banks and forex bureaux.

Credit Cards
Credit Cards are accepted by leading hotels, restaurants, banks and businesses. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa.

Travellers Cheques
All banks and forex bureaux accept Travellers' Cheques.

Geography
Ghana is situated in West Africa and is a rectangular-shaped country bounded to the north by Burkina Faso, the east by Togo, the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by Cote d' Ivoire. A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. In the far north is a plateau averaging 500m (1600ft) in height. In the east the Akuapim Togo hills run inland from the coast along the Togo border. The Black and White Volta rivers enter Ghana from Burkina Faso merging into the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta. Ghana's coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons.

Climate
Ghana has a tropical climate, characterized most of the year by moderate temperatures (generally 21-32°C (70-90°F), constant breezes and sunshine. There are 2 rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, separated by a short dry season in August and a relatively long dry season in the south from mid-October to March. Annual rainfall in the south averages 2,030mm but varies greatly throughout the country, with the heaviest rainfall in the Western Region and the lowest in the northern Regions.
Required Clothing: Tropical lightweight clothing. Sunglasses can be useful.

Education
There are numerous grammar, secondary, basic, commercial, technical and vocational educational institutions throughout the country as well as universities, numerous specialized tertiary institution, and a functional literacy programme targeting illiterate adults. Ghana is the Headquarters of the West African Examinations Council, which conducts examinations for most of the institutions in the first and second cycles.

Electricity
Electricity in Ghana is 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz; usually 3-pin plugs. Single phase, 3-pin plugs are used in larger buildings. Older buildings have 2-pin plugs. Light bulbs are of the bayonet type. Electricity fluctuates noticeably and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is recommended for sensitive electrical equipment, especially computers and printers (although for printers it may be more practical to have a line conditioner). When you purchase a UPS, be sure that it is intended for 50-60mhz. This is particularly true if you plan to run your 100-110volts computer off a transformer. Transformers do not covert cycles, only voltage. Before you plug your expensive UPS into an electrical outlet in Ghana, ensure that the polarity of the outlet or transformer is correct. An incorrectly wired outlet - a common occurrence - will destroy your UPS almost immediately. You can check your outlets with a voltage meter, or have an electrician check all outlets for you.

Communications

Telephone: IDD service is available in most parts of the country.

Country Code: 233.

Outgoing International Code: 001 - International calls can be made by buying a phone card or using a communication center which has an international direct dialing service.

Mobile Phones: Mobile phones are widely used. You can buy your own handset or get if from authorised dealers like Mobitel, CellTel, or Spacefon etc.

Fax: There is a 24-hour fax service throughout the country.

Telegram: Services are available from Post Offices throughout the country.

Internet: Internet Providers and Internet Cafes are available throughout the country.

Post: Airmail letters, EMS, DHL and other expedited mail services are available.

Press: Daily/Weekly newspapers are in English and include The Ghanaian Times, Daily Graphic, Business Weekly, The Mirror, Weekly Spectator, The Pioneer, Chronicle, Statesman, The Democrat, Free Press etc.

Ghana Coat of Arms

Composition

The Ghana Coat of Arms is composed of a shield, divided into four quarters by a green St. George's Cross, rimmed with gold. The following are the symbols in the quarters and their meanings.

1. Crossed linguist staff and ceremonial sword on a blue background
   Position: Top left-hand quarter. Represents local administration
2. A heraldic castle on a heraldic sea with a light blue background
   Position: Top right-hand quarter. Represents National Government
3. A Cocoa Tree
   Position: Bottom left hand quarter. Represents the Agricultural wealth of the country
4. A Mine Shaft
   Position: Bottom right hand quarter. Represents the mineral wealth of the country
5. A Gold Lion
   Position: In the centre of the green St. George's Cross. Represents the continued link between Ghana and the Commonwealth
6. Black five pointed star rimmed with gold standing on the wreath of red, gold and green colours
   Position: Surmounting (On top of) the shield. Represents the lodestar of African Freedom
7. Two Eagles, around each of whose neck hangs a black star suspended from a ribbon of Ghana colours - red, gold and green
   Position: Supporting the shield (Coat of Arms). Signifies a protector with strength, very clear and attentive eyes keeping watch over the country
8. The motto Freedom and Justice is found under the shield.

The Ghana National Flag

The Ghana National Flag was designed by Mrs. T. S Okoh, a Ghanaian, to replace the flag of the United Kingdom upon the attainment of independence in 1957.The flag of Ghana consists of the colours red, gold and green in horizontal stripes with a five pointed black star in the centre of the gold stripe.

Red represents the blood of those who died in the country's struggle for independence.

Gold represents the mineral wealth of the country.

Green symbolises the country's rich forests.

The Black Star stands for the lodestar of African Freedom.

God bless our homeland Ghana,
And make our nation great and strong,
Bold to defend for ever,
The cause of Freedom and of Right.
Fill our hearts with true humility
Make us cherish fearless honesty,
And help us to resist oppressor's rule
With all our will and might for evermore.

Hail to thy name, O Ghana,
To thee we make our solemn vow:
Steadfast to build together
A nation strong in Unity;
With our gifts of mind and strength of arm,
Whether night or day, in mist or storm,
In every need what'er the call may be,
To serve thee, Ghana, now and evermore.

Raise high the flag of Ghana
And one with Africa advance;
Black star of hope and honour,
To all who thirst for liberty;
Where the banner of Ghana freely flies,
May the way of freedom truly lie
Arise, arise, O sons of Ghanaland,
And under God march on for evermore.

Raise high the flag of Ghana
And one with Africa advance;
Black star of hope and honour,
To all who thirst for liberty;
Where the banner of Ghana freely flies,
May the way of freedom truly lie
Arise, arise, O sons of Ghanaland,
And under God march on for evermore.

National Pledge

I promise on my honour to be faithful and loyal to Ghana my Motherland.
I pledge myself to the service of Ghana, with all my strength and with all my heart.
I promise to hold in high esteem our heritage, won for us through the blood and toil of our fathers; and I pledge myself in all things to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana.
So help me God.

The centuries-old traditions of the people of Ghana and the diversity of the distinct ethnic groups have created a rich culture that is the splendid legacy of modern Ghana.

To the people of Ghana, the traditions of their ancestors are still an important part of daily life. Customary leaders have historical authority over tribal and family matters, and customary lands are an important heritage.

Important events in life are marked by special rites and rituals. Child naming, puberty initiations, marriage and death are marked by family ceremonies, while seasonal festivals bring a whole people or clan together in spectacular fashion.

A common feature is the belief in the Supreme Being, in life after death and in the nearness of dead ancestors. Festivals also recall past events, and consecrate a new season with confidence and hope.

Traditional fetish shrines, sometimes concealed but more often displayed, are important centres of worship and traditional healing, and an influential part of traditional life.

Of special significance are the Posuban shrines, particular to the Fante communities in Southern Ghana. Fanciful buildings lavishly decorated with folk art, they are religious centres for Fante warrior organisations.

Many festivals include thrilling durbars of chiefs, when tribal leaders and Queen Mothers process in decorated palanquins, shaded by traditional umbrellas, and supported by drummers and warrior discharging ancient muskets.

In Ashanti, the Adae and Akwasidae festivals vividly bring the splendour of the Asante kingdom to life, when the Ashantehene (King), adorned in all his gold regalia, comes out to receive the homage of his people. The Asantehenes dancers, praise-singers and horn-blowers surround the King and his procession, in a never-to-be-forgotten spectacle. The dates of many festivals are determined by traditional calendars, often decided close to the event.

Major Festivals

Public Holidays

Date	Holiday	Ghana	Australia
1st January	New Years Day
7th January	Constitution Day
6th March	Independence Day
13th March	Canberra Day
22nd March	Human Rights Day
7th April	Good Friday
8th April	Easter Saturday
9th April	Easter Sunday
10th April	Easter Monday
25th April	ANZAC Day
1st May	International Workers Day
	Eid Ul-Fitr
25th May	African Unity Day
29th May	Reconciliation Day
12th June	Sovereign's Birthday
16th June	Youth Day
	Eid Al-Adha
4th August	Founders Day
2nd October	Labour Day
21st September	Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day
1st December	Farmers Day
25th December	Christmas Day
26th December	Boxing Day

Ashanti

The Ashanti Region is the cultural heartbeat of Ghana. Land of the Golden Stool expressed in the language, passage rites, festivals, cuisine and ordinary day-to-day activities.

His Majesty (HM) Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II - Asantehene

Visitors can participate in several traditional events such as funerals, naming ceremonies. Royal Akwasidae held every six weeks at the Royal Palace of the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The scenic and hilly capital city of Kumasi is a vast tropical rainforest belt. Still forest country, dominated by impressive buttress rooted forest giants, alongside large cocoa farms and picturesque hillside settlements.

Beautiful weather; chilly in the mornings, bright, clear and sunny in the afternoons for most of the year and cool nights provide ideal conditions for visitors to; experience this exciting colourful world of hearty hardworking people.

Ashanti is also home of the most important god mine in Ghana at Obuasi (50km south-west of Kumasi). Surface visits can be arranged, and the town still has air of the gold rush days of the 1890s.

Throughout Ashanti (and especially in Kumasi) you will find welcoming hotels and restaurants, while in the main towns nightlife and entertainments are first class. Sporting facilities are available in the urban areas, while exciting fishing can be enjoyed in our lakes and rivers. To discover the traditional heartland of Ghana, a visit to Ashanti is a must.

Brong Ahafo

Let us welcome you to Brong Ahafo, the region at the heart of Ghana.

Fordjour (Yam Festival) – Batakari Dancer

With a multiplicity of ethnic groups, physical features, cultural practices that dates back into antiquity, tourist attractions opportunities for investment in all sectors of the economy especially tourism, and of an open, and warm-hearted people, ready to welcome you and make your stay in Brong Ahafo a memorable one.

Sunyani, the captail of the Brong Ahafo Region is linked to Accra by a first class road and is about seven hours drive between them, at a relatively regular pace. From Sunyani you may then begin your tour, which will take you to the major tourist attractions of Brong Ahafo.

History

Created on 4th April 1959 out of the then Western Ashanti, Brong Ahafo is the second largest region of Ghana in terms of landmass with a territorial size of 39,557,O8sq.kms.

Boundaries

The region is bordered on the north by the Northern Region, Ashanti and Western on the South, Eastern and Volta on the Southeast and east respectively, and the Republic of La Cote d'ivoire to the west.

Population

According to the 2000-population census, the Brong Ahafo region has a population of about 1,824,827 with an average growth rate of 3.1 % and an economically active part of 45% representing the 15-65 age bracket.

Climate

The Region has a tropical climate with high temperatures of between 230C and 390C, enjoying however maximum rainfall of 450 in the northern parts to 650 in the south of the region.

Vegetation

There are two main types of vegetation namely the moist semi deciduous forest mostly in the southern and southeastern parts of the region, and the guinea savannah woodland predominantly in the Northeastern portion of the region.

Administrative Districts

Brong Ahafo has thirteen (13) administrative districts: Sunyani, Asutifi, Tano, Berekum, Dormaa Asunafo, Techiman, Wenchi, Sene, Nkoranza, Atebubu, Kintampo and Jaman.

Ethnic Groups

There are two main ethnic groups namely the Brongs and the Ahafos who are of the Akan stock. Minority groups are the Nafana of Sampa, Koulongo of Seikwa and Badu, the Mo/Degha of Mo, Libya of Banda as well as the Nchumuru of Atebubu and Sene. Akan is the lingua franca throughout the region.

Chieftaincy

There are forty-four Paramount chiefs and five Divisional Councils constituting the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs.

Transportation / Road

The Region can boast of first class roads linking its major towns to the regional capital, Sunyani and the rest of the country.

Air

Sunyani has an airport, which connects the region by air to Kumasi, Accra and Takoradi. Air transportation is however irregular and is therefore unreliable. Lake Brong Ahafo has three in-land lake ports on its portion of the Volta Lake. These are Yeji, New Buipe and Yapei, which can all be reached from Akosombo using the Yapei Queen among others.

Telecommunications

There is an effective communication system in place with over 6,800 direct telephone lines linking most district capitals; radio phones are used in other districts. Mobile phones are also now in use.

Electricity

The thirteen (13) district capitals have been provided with electricity whose voltage is the same as the national one of 220 volts and of 3-pronged and 2-pronged out- lets.

Money Exchange

There are a few foreign exchange bureaux in most of the district capitals dealing in monetary transactions in cedis and selected foreign currencies.

Central Region

The Central Region is the former government centre of the Gold Coast.

Elmina Castle

Cape Coast was the seat of the British colonial administration up until 1877. The coastline is famous for its ancient forts and castles built by early European traders, and three of them at Elmina, St. Jago and Cape Coast have been identified as World Heritage Monuments by the World heritage Foundation under UNESCO.

The Region is also famous for its palm-fringed beaches, fascinating fishing villages and historic towns, and rich natural attractions. Kakum National Park, just 30km north of Cape Coast, is the foremost nature reserve in Southern Ghana and well worth a visit. Almost untouched virgin rainforest has been preserved as a habitat for birds, butterflies and rare local animals, and Kakum is most accessible, as it is very easy to reach from Accra.

The Region's culture is depicted through its many exciting festivals which are held throughout the year. Some of the best known festivals are 'Bakatue', literally the opening up of Benya Lagoon into the sea, which symbolised the beginning of the fishing season for the people of Elmina; 'Edina Buronya', a native version of Christmas celebrated by the people of Elmina on the first Thursday of the New Year; 'Aboakyer' or game hunting, one of the most famous festivals celebrated by the chiefs and people of Winneba on the first Saturday in May; and 'Fetu Afahye' celebrated with a durbar of chiefs by the people of Cape Coast on the first Saturday of September. Another famous festival is 'Odambea' celebrated on the last Saturday in August in Saltpond Traditional Area, and reflecting a migration of the local people centuries ago.

The historic towns in the region that deserve a visit include Winneba, traditionally known as 'Simpa' Winneba; Kromantsej Abanze, the site of Fort Amsterdam; Duakwa and Mensa Krom, home of some of the Region's best woodcarvers; Ajumako aware where the carvers specialise in royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems.

Throughout the Central Region there are welcoming hotels and restaurants, all an easy drive from Accra. If you are seeking to discover the historical links between Africa and the Americas and Europe, or just wanting to explore a culture that has its roots in another era, or just wanting to relax on a sun-dappled beach, then the Central Region must not be missed.

Eastern Region

The Eastern Region of Ghana is a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, historic relics and traditional cultures.

Ghana Paragliding Festival

The ancient blends with the 20th century in this region so close to but such a contrast with Accra. The region is dominated by Lake Volta, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, and the Akosombo Dam, source of much of Ghana's hydroelectric power. Both are worth a visit. A favourite excursion is the weekend trip to Dodi Islands.

Striking landscapes are overlooked by the Krobo Mountains and the Akwapim Ridge, and the countryside is great walking country. The Eastern Region is famous for its large areas of lush tropical forest, and cascading waterfalls. Fishermen will enjoy great sport fishing for tilapia in Lake Volta.

The Eastern Region contains Ghana's only commercial diamond mine at Akwatia, while the birthplace of our great cocoa industry can be found at Mampong-Akwapim. For those with a particular interest, the Cocoa Research Institute at New Tafo, with its arboreta, welcomes visitors. The regional capital is Koforidua, a pleasant traditional town with agreeable hotels and a busy market.

Traditional and historic villages and towns are part of the richness of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Visitors should take the opportunity of visiting the original Presbyterian school buildings in Akropong, and the house of Tetteh Quarshie in Mampong. Both these towns have many interesting historic buildings and districts.

Many visitors introduction to the Eastern region is the botanical gardens at Aburi, which were opened in 1890, and have always been a favourite excursion from Accra. Also worth a visit is the forest of Atewa-Atwirebu, hundreds of birds and butterflies.

Location

Latitude 5 40 and 7, 10 North, and longitude 08 east, 1 15' of the Greenwich Meridian.

Borders

It shares boundary on the north with Brong-Ahafo and Ashanti Regions, on the East with Volta Region, on the west with Central and Greater Accra on the south.

Capital

The capital town of the eastern Region is Koforidua about 85km scarp from Accra.

Climate

Temperatures in the Region vary from 240c to about 280c with average rainfall between 1750mm in the low lying areas to about 1750mm per annum in the highland area of the Kwahu scarp.

Ethnic Groups & Language

The Eastern Region consists of the Akwapim, Akyem, Kwahu, Krobo and Guans and each ethnic group has its own distinct, language festival practices.

Greater Accra Region

Greater Accra Region, the gateway to Ghana and home of our vibrant Capital City, is one of the most exciting and distinctive regions.

The Flagstaff House - The Presidency

Although the smallest region, it is the most densely populated, containing the two great metropolitan areas of Accra and Tema, the Country's major industrial and commercial centres. Kotoka International Airport is located about 12km from the centre of the city. The City of Accra has been Ghana's capital since 1877, and contains fine public buildings reflecting its transition from a 19th century suburb of Victoriasborg to the modern metropolis it is today. Spreading along the Atlantic coast, the city is well endowed with luxury as well as great value hotels, excellent restaurants and nightclubs. A range of absorbing museums and fine public monuments, modern business and commercial areas, as well as busy markets and tree-lined residential suburbs, is ready to be explored.

Among the highlights of Accra are the National Museum, with its splendid display of exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana from prehistoric times to modern times, the National Theatre with its distinctive modern architecture, the Centre for National Culture, Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the fishing port at James Town and Makola Market.

The University of Ghana at Legon is just 14km north of Accra, and its distinctive buildings are set amongst elegant tree-lined gardens that are popular with students and visitors alike.

The Accra International Conference Centre is the lore most conference centre in the Country, and has played host to many international gatherings.

Tema, on the other land, is a new town some 30km from Accra, with Ghana's foremost commercial port and our large fishing fleet. Its modern industrial zone is one of our major commercial hubs.

The beaches of the Atlantic coast are popular with visitors and Ghanaians alike. Labadi Pleasure Beach and Kokrobite Beach, just 25km west of Accra, are particularly popular at weekends.

Further along the coast is Ada and the estuary of the great River Volta. Here the fine beaches of the estuary and the Atlantic coast provide popular resort areas. Watersports and river trips make this a great place to relax, while the waters off the coast teem with game fish.

Northern Region

The Northern Region, one of the ten administrative regions of Ghana, a country lying on 0 longitude of the West Africa Coast.

The Larabanga Mosque

Ghanaian hospitality is legendary, the Northern Region is no exception. And so you are welcome to enjoy the scenic natural features, exotic culture and the legacies of a history of the largest region in Ghana.

Location

Northern Region has 13 of the 110 district of the country. Its goegraphical features are mostly low lying, except in the north eastern corner with the Gambaga escarpment and along the western corridor. The land is drained by the tributaries of the Volta Lake: Rivers Nasia, Daka, Oti, the Black and White Volta covering over a third of the whole land mass of the 70,390km big enough to swallow up other regions like Volta, Ashanti, Western and Greater Accra put together; call it the mother of all Regions!

Borders

The region if bounded on the north by the Upper East and Upper West regions, on the west by Cote DIvoire and on the east by Togo. The regions on the south are the Brong Ahafo and Volta regions.

Population & Ethnic Groups

With population of nearly 2 million, the main ethnic groups are Dagomba, Nanumba, Mamprusi, Gonja and Komkombas. Other groups include Chekosis, Bimobas and Vaglas.

Capital

Tamale, the capital, is the country's fourth largest city. It is the nerve centre of all commercial activities in the whole of the Northern Sector of Ghana. Tamale is an incredible juxta-position of the ancient and modern. The traditional architecture of round huts with conical thatched roofs are sights to see.

Climate

The rains come between May and October followed by the dry season which peaks in December and January with the dry Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert. This tropical climate sustains the Guinea Savanna vegetation made up to grassland, clusters of shrubs, short trees and a sprinkling of big trees like mahogany and baobab. Maximum temperature levels of about 38oC occur in March to April and minimum temperature levels of about 19oC in January.

Upper East Region

With a population of 917,253 the Upper East region covers 7.8% of Ghana's land mass. It is the gateway to Ghana from Burkina Faso, which is the traditional crossroads for the trans-Saharan trade routes.

Paga Crocodile Pond

An exciting introduction to Ghana, much of the landscape is broad savannah grasslands, dotted with the strange-looking baobab trees, or striking Sahel terrian. In the villages, with their distinctive round huts, communal activities go on as they have for generations. The principal border posts from Burkina Faso are found at Hamale, Kapulima. Paga and Kulungugu.

For political administration, the region is divided into six Districts: Bawku East, Bawku West, Bongo, Builsa, Kassena-Nankana and Bolgatanga (or 'Bolga' as it is known locally) being the capital of the region has always been a meeting point for traders from Mali and Burkina Faso on their way south to Tamale and Southern Ghana. The markets continue to be important trading points, and 'Bolga' is a famous centre for handicrafts, including straw hats and baskets, leather goods and metal jewellery.

The local villages with their distinctive building styles that have evolved through the generations, and adapt so well to the lifestyle of the people and local conditions, provide a distinct contrast to those in other parts of Ghana and welcome visitors.

Upper West Region

The Upper West Region has a land area of 8,842 square kilometres (3%) of Ghanas total. The Dagarba, Lobi, Sisala, Vagla and the Wala, all of who speak distinct languages, inhabit this region.

Mole National Park - Damongo

Total population of the region, which comprises five administrative districts Jirapa-Lambusi, Lawra, Nadawoli, Sissala and Wa, - is 573,873. It is the gateway to Ghana from Burkina Faso, which is a traditional crossroads for the Trans-Saharan trade routes. An exciting introduction to Ghana, much of the landscape is broad savannah grasslands, dotted with the strange-looking baobab trees, or striking Sahel terrain. In the villages, with their distinctive round huts, communal activities go on as they have for generations.

The principal border posts from Burkina Faso are found at Hamale, Kapulima. Paga and Kulungugu.

The Upper West Region has a different feeling, as a more traditional region. The capital of the region is Wa which is also the seat of the Wa Naa, Paramount Chief of the Walas. The magnificent palace still stands as stately as it did when it was first built in the 19th century. The uniquely styled traditional village houses of round mud-walled structures connected by walls forming large compounds are well adapted to the demanding climate of this region.

Gbelle Game Reserve, located 17km south of Tumu, is an important sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife, as well as hippos, elephants and bucks. Birdwatchers consider this an important habitat for indigenous and migratory birds.

Although a great deal of development is taking place in these regions, access to outlying areas can be difficult at certain times of the year and during and after heavy rains.

Volta Region

The most easterly region of Ghana, bordering on Togo, the Volta Region is an area of extraordinary scenic beauty.

Wli Waterfalls

The rolling hills and valleys, rocky outcrops overlooking Lake Volta, and lagoons, rivers and waterfall make for one of nature's most attractive gift to Ghana. The region stretches from the coastal plains on the Atlantic coast right up to the arid lands of the north, and climatic conditions can vary tremendously. From the coastal plain, fringed by sun-dappled beaches and mangrove swamps, through moist deciduous rain forests in the central belt, where Mt. Afadjato at 885m is the highest point in Ghana, to the arid savannah of northern Ghana, you can experience almost every tropical climate in West Africa.

This region is also dominated by the River Volta and Lake Volta, on its western flank. The lake is a source of power, and much of the water for the region; it is the water highway to the north, a great fishing lake as well as a popular recreational area.

The festivals and ceremonies reflect the rich diversity of history and culture of tribal life in the region. The relics of European coastal forts and other structures still remain, while further north vestiges of the German colonial era are unmistakable. The regional museum at Ho is an ideal place to understand the background to our heritage.

Hohoe is an important centre of herbal medicine, which is of significant and growing importance both in Ghana and the western world today.

Discover the Wli Waterfalls in the tropical forest near Hohoe, the highest in Ghana, or the nearby Tsatsadu Falls at Alavanyo, or the Tagbo Falls at Liate Wote which are almost as spectacular. Afadjato Mountain attracts climbers of all ages, while the Kalakpa Game Production Reserve is a special place for environmentalists.

Volta is famous for its festivals and ceremonies, of which the Hogbetsotso of the Anlos people in November is probably the most famous. The people of Wli have a unique festival to give thanks for the gift of water.

The main gateway from Togo is at Aflao, and hotels, guest houses and restaurants can be found in all the main centres, including Ho, Keta, Kpando and Hohoe.

The beaches of the Volta estuary are amongst the best in Ghana. Swimming is popular in some areas, although the sea is generally rough along the Atlantic coast. New hotels are providing facilities for waters ports and deep sea fishing. Tuna, tarpon and barracuda may be caught, and arrangements can be made in advance through the local hotels.

Location

The region is located at the eastern part of Ghana, sharing its eastern boundary with the Republic of Togo, western with the Volta River and Lake. The southern border is the Atlantic Ocean, wile the north shares a boundary with the Northern Region.

The Main Economic Activities

The main economic activities are farming, fishing, animal rearing, petty commerce and tourism.

The People

The people of the region are made up of Ewe, Adele, Nchumuru, Akpafu, Atwode, Lolbi, Tafi, Avatime and Akan. Others are Santrokofi, Nyagbo, Buem, Bowiri, Logba, Ga-Adangbe.

Western Region

The Western Region of Ghana us an integrated complex of beautiful safe beaches and African touch beach resorts.

The Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel.

It has the largest collection of European trading forts (later used in the slave trade); the highest tropical jungles; numerous mines, picturesque villages and friendly people; and old architectural styles and vivacious festivals. The region's water villages on stilts are amazing to experience. A visitor can charter a local canoe out to the village and actually stay over night in a guest house on the water.

The region is located in the south-western part of Ghana and shares boundaries with the Central, Ashanti, and Brong-Ahafo regions. To the West it shares a border with the republic of Cote D'Ivoire. The region has 192 Km of tropical beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and a tropical climate characterized by moderate temperatures all year round.

The native people of the Western Region are mostly Akans, speaking various dialects including: Ahanta, Nzema, Sefwi, Wassa, Brosa, and Pepesa. Principal religions are Christianity, African Aminism and Islam.

Principal economic activities include agriculture (cash crops and food crops), fishing (commercial and subsistence), and mining and manufacturing. The main exportable produces are cocoa, timber, copra, coffee, rubber/latex, gold, manganese, and bauxite.

School going age in Ghana is from age 3-21. The educational structure of Ghana comprises:

• Pre-School (Ages 3-5)
• Basic/Primary School equivalent to Elementary School (Ages 6-11)
• Junior High School equivalent to Middile School (Ages 12-14)
• Senior High School equivalent to High School (Ages 15-17)
• Tertiary Education/Institution equivalent to College/ University (Ages 18-21)

Under the tertiary institutions we have the Polytechnics and the Universities. One has the option after completion of a High School to enter into a Polytechnic or the University.

There are also Vocational and Teacher Training Intitutions in Ghana.

Ghana Education Service

Login on to http://www.ghana.gov.gh

Schools & Universities

There are several Government and Private Universities, University Colleges and Professional Institutions in Ghana.

Government Universities

• University of Ghana, Legon
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
• University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
• University Of Education, Winneba
• University of Development Studies, Tamale
• Universities of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa
• University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho
• University of Energy and National Resources, Sunyani

Some Private Universities (Affiliated to Major Ones)

• Valley View University, Accra
• Central University College, Accra
• Ashesi University, Accra
• University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Bunso
• Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra
• Methodist University College of Ghana, Dansoman, Accra
• Islamic University of Ghana, East Legon, Accra
• Presbyterian University, Kwahu
• Catholic University, Fiapre Sunyani
• Ghana Telecom University College, Accra
• Evangelical Presbyterian University, Ho
• Pentecost University College, Sowutuom, Accra
• Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College-Masters Degree

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