The Northern Region

The Northern Region is the largest area of Ghana. As of 2004, it is divided into 18 districts. The region’s capital is Tamale. Climatically, religiously, linguistically, and culturally, the region differs greatly from the politically and economically dominating regions of central and southern Ghana.

Akuapim South

Akuapim South is one of the 17 districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has an area of 403 square km, the population is 116346 (2002), the capital of the district is Nsawam.

A border district in the south of the Greater Accra Region dystryktami – Ga West and Tema metropolis.

Main cities: Adoagyiri, Aburi, Pakro, Pokrom, Fotobi.

Agriculture

Poorly developed country agriculture. The basic pillar of the economy is a monoculture of cocoa beans. Exports of cocoa beans is equal to 35% of the value of exports, is a leading global manufacturer of the raw material. For local needs, are grown: citrus fruits, rice, tobacco, maize, cassava, sugar cane, cotton, millet, Sweet potatoes, yam, vegetables … From the recent growing role of heavy industry, mainly associated with the mining industry. Keeping goats, sheep, pigs and cattle. Developed fisheries.

Ghana – Guide with tips for your holiday

Ghana has a tropical climate, but temperatures will vary with distance from the coast and the altitude. Except in the northern parts of the country there are two rainy seasons (April to June and from September to November). The annual rainfall in the north to reach 1 015 millimeters in the south and 2 030 millimeters. The Harmattan, a dry desert wind that blows from December to March from the northeast, it reduces the high humidity and brings hot days and cold nights in the north. In the south, the influence of the Harmattan in January noticeable. In most areas the highest temperatures in March, the lowest temperatures measured in August. The average annual temperature is 26.1 ° C.

Approximately 4.6 percent (2000) of the total land area of Ghana are designated as protected. Large parts of the forests of Ghana were by deforestation for agricultural purposes destroyed, so that today only about 27.8 percent (2000) percent of the entire country is forested. In the tropical rainforest zone in the south, there are still large stocks of Kapokbäumen, Khayas (African mahogany) and bosses trees. The north of the country is grassland with scattered trees covered. Even the number of animals living in Ghana, especially in the south has greatly diminished, but there remained a large number of species preserved, including leopards, hyenas, buffalo, elephants, wild pigs, antelopes, monkeys and prosimians; reptiles found in cobras, pythons, Puffottern and Nashornvipern.

The population of Ghana is made up of over 50 ethnic groups, mainly farming and on farms or in small villages live.

Ghana has roughly 20.8 million inhabitants (2004), giving a population density of 90 inhabitants per square kilometer is. The most densely populated parts of the country are the coastal areas, the Ashanti Highlands in south-central part and the two major cities of Accra and Kumasi. 70 percent of the total population live in the southern half of the country. The largest ethnic group of Ghana belong to the Akan group. These include the Coastal Fanti and living in Mittelghana-based Ashanti. The Nzima and Ahanta live in the southwest. In order to level the city to live in Accra Ga. Most residents of the northern parts of the country belong to the Mosi-Dagomba group of the Volta peoples and Gonja group.

Largest city and major trading center in Accra, the capital of Ghana with 1.69 million inhabitants (1995). Kumasi (399 000 inhabitants) is the capital of the Ashanti region. The artificial port of Sekondi-Takoradi (117 000 inhabitants) is the first modern port in the country. Other major cities are Tamale (151 000 inhabitants), Tema (181 000 inhabitants) and Cape Coast (57 200 inhabitants).

Geography

Ghana is a country located on the Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the Equator, therefore giving it a warm climate. The Greenwich Meridian also passes through Ghana, specifically through the industrial city of Ghana-Tema; so it is said that Ghana is geographically closer to the “centre” of the world than any other country. The coastline is mostly a low, sandy shore backed by plains and scrub and intersected by several rivers and streams. Formerly, a tropical rainforest belt, broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers, extended northward from the coast, but most of the rainforest was felled in the twentieth century, leaving scattered remnants, principally in the southwest, some of which are under protection. North of this belt, the land is covered by low bush, park-like savannah, and grassy plains.

The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry (see Dahomey Gap); the southwest corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. Lake Volta, the world’s largest artificial lake, extends through large portions of eastern Ghana.

Kakum National Park

Tucked away in this small pocket of rainforest are endangered forest elephants, colobus monkeys, 300 species of bird and a staggering 600 species of butterfly. However, the main attraction is the canopy walkway suspended 30m (98ft) above the forest floor. It makes for great viewing (or a trouser-wetting experience, depending on your point of view).

The walkway aside, a guided hike is a good way to learn about the rainforest flora and its traditional uses. Your best shot to see any wildlife is to get here when the park opens or take a night hike.

When to Go

There really is no ‘best’ time to visit Ghana, as the temperature is always Africa-hot and if rainfall doesn’t soak you, then the humid air will. If you prefer your soaking tropical in nature, stick close to the beaches. Whatever the season, the weather gets more arid the farther inland you go. Village-specific festivals and events occur throughout the year.

The tourist high season is from June to August, which coincides with the summer vacation in the US. The country sees few tourists from September to December.

Accra

Accra, population 2,096,653 (2007),is the capital of Ghana. It is Ghana’s largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic centre. The primary economic activities are financial and government services, communications, construction, transport and agriculture (particularly fishing). Over 70% of Ghana’s manufacturing capacity is located within the capital area. Accra is located at 5°30′ North, 0°10′ West (5.5, -0.1667).  and sits near the Greenwich Meridian in the Accra Metropolitan Area, in the Greater Accra Region.

The city of Accra has been Ghana’s capital since 1877, and contains public buildings reflecting its transition from a 19th century suburb of Victoriasborg to the modern metropolis it is today.

Among the attractions of Accra are the National Museum, with a display of exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana from prehistoric times to modern times, the National Theatre with its distinct modern architecture, Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the Accra International Conference Centre, the fishing port at Jamestown and Makola Market.

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

Accra is also linked internationally by the Kotoka International Airport.

The Republic of Ghana

The Republic of Ghana is a country in West Africa. It borders Côte d’Ivoire (also known as Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word “Ghana” means “Warrior King”, and was the source of the name “Guinea” (via French Guinoye) used to refer to the West African coast (as in Gulf of Guinea).

Ghana was inhabited in pre-colonial times by a number of ancient kingdoms, including the Ga Adangbes on the eastern coast, inland Empire of Ashanti and various Fante states along the coast and inland. Trade with European states flourished after contact with the Portuguese in the 15th century, and the British established a crown colony, Gold Coast, in 1874.

Upon achieving independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, the name Ghana was chosen for the new nation to reflect the ancient Empire of Ghana that once extended throughout much of western Africa. In the Ashanti language it is spelled Gaana.