145 Ghana Facts To Learn About The Land Of Gold

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Jan 19, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Dec 20, 2021
Edited by Lara Simpson
Ghana African country is known as Land of Gold

Ghana is located on the western coast of the African continent with Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast, Togo, and Burkina Faso, as its neighbors in the west, east, and north.

The African country is known as 'Land of Gold,' as Arabs called it, following its large gold deposits in its southern region. Ghana became one of the foremost Sub Saharan regions to gain prominence worldwide due to its extensive gold reserves, widely sought after by explorers from all over the world.

The Republic of Ghana, widely known as Ghana, is a naturally wealthy country with a plethora of national parks, reserves, plantations, and exotic animal species adorn the beautiful coastal region of Africa. Poverty is still prevalent in some parts of the country.

Still, the country has strived and cut down the poverty rates drastically compared to previous years, with rural areas suffering the most.

As a significant land for natural resources like magnesium, gold, diamond, bauxite, natural gas oil, and timber, Ghanaian people historically enjoyed a wealthy economy until the Europeans arrived in the country.

Europeans and Britishers entered the west coast with an intention for gold trade but eventually started setting up colonies and trading slaves to North America. Ghana saw a horrifying history of the slave trade as one of its major ports.

Along with Gambia factsand Guinea facts, it is time to learn more facts about another popular country of Africa, Ghana!

Fun Facts About Ghana

Enjoy these fun facts about Ghana!

  • Yam, beans, and maize are the leading staple food of Ghana.
  • A unique thing about Ghana is it is considered one of the most stable Sub-Saharan nations in West Africa.
  • Ghana is best known for gold and cocoa beans.
  • Ghana's capital Accra is known for its vibrant lifestyle.
  • Ghana is the world's second-largest cocoa producer.
  • Ghana launched space flight in 2017.
  • Colorful Ghanaian costume is made out of hand-woven cloth called Kente.
  • Ghanaian flag represents its past struggles and natural diversity.
  • Ghana was colonized by Europeans and Britishers for gold trade at first and then slave trading.
  • The tawny eagle is the national animal of Ghana.
  • The black star in the Ghanaian flag represents African freedom.
  • Ghana produces a large variety of agricultural produces.
  • Ghana has an extensive protected natural system with seven nature parks.
  • Kwame Nkrumah was the first president of Ghana.
  • Ghana was also known as Gold Coast.
  • Ghana's capital city Accra is a prosperous trading center.
  • The River Volta flows towards South Ghana.
  • Among many other countries in West Africa, Ghana is the wealthiest in natural resources.
  • The word 'Ghana' means warrior king.
  • Ghana was a crucial port for transatlantic trade.
  • Ghana is the first Sub-Saharan country to win independence.
  • Kente is a symbol of pride for the African-American race.
  • Ghana produces 'Fantasy Coffins.'
  • The Ashanti Empire fought the longest war in Ghana.
  • Ghana homes the largest lake made by a man.
  • English dictionary has a local Ghanaian word, 'Kwashiorkor.'
  • Ghana is also home to the fastest man to run backward, Ferdie Adobe.
  • Ghana claims its name from a medieval West African empire named Wagadugu.
  • Ghana's biggest lake covers the country's 3.6 percent.
  • Lake Bosumtwi is a sacred lake for Ghanaians.
  • Ghana's official language is English.
  • Approximately 40 languages are spoken in Ghana.
  • Ghana has a special traditional salad served with every meal.
  • Kente is a combination of silk and cotton fabric.
  • Akan is another Ghanaian official language.
  • Ghana's capital city Accra gets its name from the surrounding city of ants, as the name directly translates to Ants.

Historical Facts About Ghana

These are some significant historical Ghana facts you may read to learn more about the country and its culture.

  • Ghana became a self-governing country under Kwame Nkrumah.
  • The United Nations has been helping Ghana since the beginning of 1960.
  • Gold coast was a name given by colonials as the country owns significant gold reserves.
  • Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. J.B. Danquah changed the name of Gold Coast to Ghana.
  • The Volta River in Ghana served as a route for transatlantic trade.
  • Ghana's history saw a significant amount of horrifying aspects under colonial rule.
  • As the first African country to gain independence, Ghana served as an inspiration to other Africa residents.
  • Ghana's Kakum National Park enjoys a dense elephant population.
  • Ghana's biggest national park, Mole, was established in 1958.
  • The Ga people founded Accra.
  • The boundaries of Accra were further stretched in 1908.
  • Ghana has six major ethnic groups.
  • Ghana's history marks agriculture as the foremost practice in the region.
  • Ethnic groups of Africa inhabited Ghana in the 16th century.
  • Gradual migrations led to the disintegration of large states.
  • A trading state was created in Ghana, named Bono state.
  • Europeans stepped into Ghana in the late 15th century.
  • Portuguese were the first to arrive in Africa, Ghana.
  • Gold Coast was highly concentrated with European settlers.
  • Continuous building and breaking of uncountable forts were harming the coasts.
  • The last 17th century marked the beginning slave trade in the country.
  • African rulers and kings played a crucial role in slave trade supplies too.
  • European colonies defeated Ashanti to establish a stronghold on the coasts.
  • Ghana drafted its constitution in the year 1946.
  • Cacao production was introduced in the late 19th century.
  • Ghana gained independence in 1957.
  • Military rule in Ghana hindered its growth.
  • Accra also serves as an educational and commercial center of the country.
  • Ghana is seen as a model for rapid reformation in Africa.
  • In the past, several Akan Kingdoms ruled the country of Ghana.
  • Ghanaians adopted a distinct West African variant of English.
  • The south of Africa's Ghana was exploited drastically compared to the north.
  • Ghana has sustained great ethnic diversity through the years.
  • The south and north have a tremendous cultural division.
  • British colonials introduced urban infrastructures in the region.

Facts About Ghana's Economy

Find facts about the Ghanaian economy here!

  • Ghana's economy is heavily dependent on cocoa, timber, and gold.
  • The world has witnessed tremendous growth in the Ghanaian economy following its independence.
  • Growing oil prices are said to catalyze Ghana's economy.
  • Ghanaian people enjoy a mix of private and public market entities.
  • Foreign investors were attracted to make up for the capital shortage.
  • World Bank sponsored a resurrecting program in 1980 to improve economic development.
  • The 1990s marked Ghana's economic recovery.
  • Cocoa's world price is directly related to the fortune Ghana's economy makes.
  • Ghana leads the cocoa market due to its high-quality bean supply.
  • Restrictions on cutting timber have affected export earnings in the country.
  • Governments strongly support agricultural advancements.
  • Sugar, coffee, palm, copra, and several other fruits are also exported.
  • Lake Volta offers a significant supply to fisheries.
  • Mineral resources of Ghana are exploited.
  • The gold mining industry is the oldest, dating back to the 15th century.
  • Ghana also has iron ore and limestone reserves.
  • Ghana is wealthy in natural gas reserves along with oil.
  • Saltpond area was the beginning of oil production in Ghana.
  • A plethora of manufacturing industries came into existence with the government's help.
  • Manufacturing industries mainly serve local consumption.
  • Ghana's privatization movement helped a lot to reestablish stability.
  • Privatization also attracted foreign investments.
  • 1960-the 70s witnessed a shortage of capital and equipment.
  • More than half a dozen mining countries were established in the 1990s.
  • Ghana's oil and gas industry expanded following its discovery.
  • Tarkwa mining is a source of Sand for the glass industry.
  • Ghana Cedi is the official currency of the country.
  • Tourism is one of the growing and profitable sources of earning in Ghana.
  • Frequent restoration of historical symbols is taking place following growing tourism.
  • Among the 30 forts built on the coast by colonials, only two are available now.
  • Tourist hotels are also readily growing in the country.
  • Ghana's principal export is sought after by Europe, Britain, India, UAE, and US.
  • Taxes constitute a significant part of the government's revenue.
  • Foreign trades have awarded Ghana the highest GDP per capita in West Africa.
  • It is also rich in diamond, bauxite, and manganese ore.
  • Ghana is on its way to becoming the fastest-growing economy.

Facts About Ghana's Climate

Here are the climate-based Ghana facts:

  • Ghana experiences a tropical climate.
  • Ghana has a hot climate because it is only a few degrees from the equator.
  • March is the hottest recorded month.
  • The southwest region of Ghana is humid and hot.
  • The northern part of Ghana experiences dry hotness.
  • April to mid-October mark the rainy season in Ghana.
  • The average temperature ranges from 75.2-86 F (24-30 C).
  • Climate change is rapidly affecting the people of Ghana too.
  • Fisheries and farming in Ghana are expected to be poorly affected by the effects of climate change.
  • Ghana also sees cases of diseases such as malaria and cholera.
  • Winters in Ghana are considerably hot as well.
  • Humidity is high due to being close to the sea.
  • The summer sky of Accra is cloudy. The country receives rainfall of about 1200mm every year.
  • The sea of Ghana is warm throughout the year.
  • Swimmers can enjoy a dip in the Ghanaian sea any time of the year.
  • All five regions of Ghana experience different climates.
  • Winters are dry, and summers are considerably warm.
  • The wind from the Sahara desert regulates the temperature of north Ghana.
  • The desert wind also reduces visibility due to dust particles in the air.
  • The northern parts of Ghana are less humid.
  • The capital city experiences a warm and high humidity climate.
  • Central Ghana has a tropical savanna climate.
  • High amounts of rain attribute to higher humidity levels in the region.
  • The constant sea breeze ensures freshness amid dry, hot days.
  • The low visibility due to Sahara is also known as sand fog.
  • Sand fogs are best to avoid when in Ghana.
  • Ghana's climate change can have implications for its agriculture.
  • Climate observations have predicted a relatively lowered production of staple foods such as maize and yam.
  • Available data has also seen a rise in sea levels due to climate change.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 145 Ghana Facts To Learn About The Land Of Gold, then why not take a look at Honduras facts or Hungary facts?

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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