Ghana

Ghana, situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, is recognised as one of the continent’s most stable democracies and a leading political and economic power in the region. The country’s name, inspired by the ancient Ghana Empire of the western Sahel, symbolises its rich historical heritage and enduring influence as a centre of trade, governance, and cultural exchange. With a reputation for democratic governance, abundant natural resources, and vibrant cultural diversity, Ghana occupies a pivotal role in shaping the political and economic trajectory of West Africa.

Historical and Political Background

Human settlement in present-day Ghana dates back several millennia, though recorded history becomes clearer with the rise of the Bono (Bonoman) state in the 12th century—a prosperous centre of gold trade that laid the foundations for the Akan-speaking kingdoms.
European contact began in the 15th century, when Portuguese traders arrived, soon followed by the Dutch, British, and other Europeans competing for access to the region’s gold, ivory, and enslaved people. The area became known as the Gold Coast, a key hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. By the 18th century, the Asante Empire had emerged as one of Africa’s most powerful pre-colonial states, building its wealth through trade in gold and slaves and military expansion aided by firearms obtained from European traders.
British influence gradually expanded through a series of Asante wars, culminating in the complete colonisation of the Gold Coast in 1902. The subsequent colonial period witnessed significant infrastructural and educational developments but also increasing nationalist resistance. Under Kwame Nkrumah, leader of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ghana achieved independence on 6 March 1957, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to do so. Nkrumah’s government pursued Pan-African unity and ambitious state-led industrialisation but faced challenges from political opposition and economic strain.
A series of military coups (1966–1981) interrupted civilian rule until Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings seized power in 1981. Rawlings transitioned the country toward democracy with the 1992 Constitution, establishing the Fourth Republic. Since then, Ghana has held successive peaceful elections, alternating power between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), strengthening its democratic credentials.
In 2024, John Dramani Mahama of the NDC was re-elected president after defeating Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP. Ghana continues to operate as a unitary presidential republic, with a unicameral Parliament of 276 members and a robust, independent judiciary.

Geography and Natural Features

Location: West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire (west), Togo (east), Burkina Faso (north), and the Gulf of Guinea (south).Area: 238,533 sq km — slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Oregon.Coastline: 539 km.Coordinates: Approx. 8°00′ N, 2°00′ W.
Topography: Ghana’s terrain comprises low coastal plains, forested hills, and savannas. The Volta River Basin dominates the interior, with Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, formed by the Akosombo Dam. The highest point, Mount Afadjato (885 m), lies within the Akwapim-Togo Ranges.
Climate: Tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring dry, dusty air between January and March.
Natural resources: Gold, bauxite, manganese, oil, timber, diamonds, and fertile agricultural land.Land use (2023):

• Agricultural land: 55.4%
• Forest: 35.2%
• Other: 9.4%

Ghana’s geographical position and resource endowment make it a vital maritime, trade, and energy hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

People and Society

Population (2024 est.): 34.6 millionUrbanisation: 58%Median age: 21.4 yearsPopulation growth rate: 2.1%
Ethnic composition: Akan (45.7%), Mole-Dagbani (18.5%), Ewe (12.8%), Ga-Dangme (7.1%), and others.
Languages: English (official), with major local languages including Asante Twi, Ewe, Fante, and Dagbani.
Religions: Christianity (71%), Islam (20%), Traditional beliefs (3%), others (6%).
Demographic indicators:

• Life expectancy: 70.1 years
• Fertility rate: 3.56 children per woman
• Literacy rate: 76.5% (male 81.3%, female 72.1%)
• Infant mortality: 31.2 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 234 per 100,000 live births
• Education expenditure: 2.9% of GDP
• School life expectancy: 12 years

Access to safe water (88.4%) and electricity (85%) has expanded steadily, although sanitation and healthcare inequalities persist, particularly in northern rural regions.

Government and Administration

System: Unitary presidential republic (1992 Constitution)Head of State and Government: President John Dramani Mahama (since 2024)Vice President: Naana Jane Opoku-AgyemangLegislature: Unicameral Parliament (276 members), elected by majority vote for four-year terms.Judiciary: Supreme Court (apex), Court of Appeal, and High Courts; hybrid system combining English common law with customary law.
Administrative divisions: 16 regions subdivided into metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.Capital: Accra — the political and economic centre.Cultural capital: Kumasi — seat of the Asante monarchy and major commercial hub.
National symbols:

• Flag: Red, yellow, and green horizontal stripes with a central black star symbolising African unity.
• Motto: Freedom and Justice.
• National anthem: “God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.”
• National day: 6 March (Independence Day).

Economic Overview

Ghana possesses one of Africa’s most diversified economies, driven by mining, agriculture, and services. The economy is classified as lower-middle-income but demonstrates consistent growth and resilience.
Key economic indicators (2024 est.):

• GDP (PPP): $243.1 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $7,050
• Real GDP growth: 5.7%
• Inflation: 22.8%
• Public debt: $29.2 billion
• Unemployment: 3.1%
• Gini index: 43.5 (moderate inequality)

Sectoral composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 20.7%
• Industry: 28.8%
• Services: 43.9%

Principal exports: Gold, crude oil, cocoa, manganese, and timber.Export partners: Switzerland, UAE, India, and South Africa.Principal imports: Refined petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and food products.Import partners: China, Netherlands, and the United States.
Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa exporter, after Côte d’Ivoire, and ranks among Africa’s top gold producers. Economic diversification initiatives target industrialisation, green energy, and technology sectors.

Energy and Infrastructure

Installed power capacity (2023): 5.52 million kWElectricity access: 85.1% nationwide (urban 95%, rural 70%)Energy mix:

• Hydropower: 42%
• Thermal (oil and gas): 56%
• Renewables (solar): 2%

The Akosombo and Kpong Dams on the Volta River remain the backbone of hydropower generation. Offshore oil fields such as Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa-Gye Nyame produce around 176,000 barrels per day, with proven reserves of 660 million barrels and 22.6 billion cubic metres of natural gas.
Infrastructure:

• Railways: 947 km
• Roads: >100,000 km
• Airports: 11 (main international: Kotoka International, Accra)
• Ports: Tema and Takoradi, vital to regional trade.

Defence and International Engagement

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, numbering approximately 20,000 active personnel.

• Defence budget: 0.4% of GDP
• Service: Voluntary; conscription not practised

Ghana is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, including UNIFIL (Lebanon), UNMISS (South Sudan), and UNISFA (Abyei). Security priorities include maritime defence, oil field protection, and counterterrorism in cooperation with ECOWAS and the U.S.-led Trans-Sahara Partnership.

Environment and Space Development

Environmental challenges include deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution from mining and agriculture. Ghana is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and implements national strategies for sustainable forestry and renewable energy.
The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), established in 2011, spearheads space research, remote sensing, and satellite communication. Ghana collaborates with China, Japan, and South Africa and is an active member of the African Space Agency.

Culture and International Significance

Ghana’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Akan, Ewe, and Ga traditions, reflected in colourful festivals such as Akwasidae, Homowo, and Panafest. Traditional drumming, kente cloth weaving, and highlife and afrobeats music continue to influence global culture.