Ghana
Ghana is situated on the southern coast of West Africa and is bordered to the east by Togo, to the west by the Ivory Coast, to the south by the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) and to the north and northwest by Burkina Faso.
The country
Ghana is a rich country in many ways. The underground of Ghana is full of valuable minerals such as: gold, bauxite, aluminum, manganese and diamonds. Unfortunately this hasn’t benefited the country as it should have because of the history of colonialism in Ghana. Besides the minerals from the underground the main exports are: cocoa, timber and tuna.
The history
Historically, the country played a key role during the period of colonialism. Ghana, by the time known as the gold coast, was the main port used for shipping slaves to Europe and America. Several colonial rulers had castles and forts along the coast including the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Danish and of course the British. This means that if you are historically interested there is plenty of places to see in Ghana. Not only the castles, but also the residues of the Ashanti Kingdom, the biggest part in Ghana, which was a Kingdom whit big influence in west africa before the colonialism, is worth to be seen.
The independence
Also of historical interest is the fact that Ghana was the first black nation in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial rule. This happened when Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the 6th of March, 1957 led the country to independence and renamed it from The Gold Coast to Ghana after the ancient empire of Ghana, from which the ancestors of the inhabitants of the present country are thought to have migrated.
The Nature
If your historical interest is nowhere to be found Ghana has much more to offer. During vacations and other free periods you can enjoy the nature and the many nice and calm beaches that have yet not be destroyed by tourism. It is not only along the beach where you can enjoy the nature of Ghana. There are also several natural parks like Mole National Park, Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary or the Lake Bosumtwi, where no limits are set.
The people
More than any of the above the main attraction of Ghana is the people. Famous for being the friendliest in Africa, which is of course up for discussion, they will welcome you with open arms when you arrive. “Akwaaba (welcome)” might very well be the first word you hear in Ghana. The Ghanaian people are very open and welcoming and this is a true blessing when you arrive in a country so far away from home. Often you will find yourself surrounded by a group of happy kids who wants to talk, dance or play with you. Especially the hostfamiles integrate every newcomer as part of the family due to the fact that family has the first priority in Ghana.
The culture
The culture of Ghana is very diverse and there is great variation from region to region. Some regions are mainly Christian, some are mainly Muslim and some holds on to the traditional beliefs of Ghana. Besides the different religions, which of course make a difference, there is also great variation in the food, the music, the dancing, the clothing and the language. But one thing seems to commonly found all over Ghana: the idea of freedom. At some point of your stay in Ghana you will most likely meet somebody who tells you to “feel free”. This is meant in the most positive way imaginable.
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